Slot's strange substitution helps Liverpool win the opening match

The opening day of the 2025/26 Premier League in the early morning of August 16 witnessed a dramatic match, when Liverpool and Bournemouth created an exciting score chase.

Chiesa scored as Liverpool won 4-2 against Bournemouth.

There are matches where the outcome seems to be a foregone conclusion, there are moments when even the most loyal fans lose faith. But there are still teams - like Liverpool - who always know how to write a magical script.

In the 82nd minute at Anfield, coach Arne Slot unexpectedly sent Federico Chiesa on to replace Florian Wirtz. This decision confused many fans: Chiesa had not played for a long time, and was surrounded by rumors of leaving the club. From the commentary booth, former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Carragher exclaimed: "A strange substitution. Very strange."

Slot, however, had his own plans. Just six minutes later, that choice was immediately proven. From a messy ball in the Bournemouth penalty area, Chiesa volleyed the ball past Petrovic, raising the score to 3-2 for Liverpool. Chiesa's technique was not perfect, but that goal was enough to explode the stadium and force the opponent to collapse mentally.

Slot smiled from the sidelines. It wasn't the first time he had turned a game around with his reserves.

Last season, the Dutch tactician made a splash when, in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, the duo of Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota came on in the 65th and 66th minutes, and just 22 seconds later, Jota scored from Tsimikas's assist. In the Champions League, Harvey Elliott also scored the winning goal just 47 seconds after Slot brought him on against PSG.

Arne Slot showed his top substitution skills.

If Jurgen Klopp once turned Liverpool into a team that exploded with warrior spirit, then Arne Slot is helping this team become more cold and efficient - truly a winning machine.

Liverpool's 2025/26 Premier League opener ended 4-2, but it was not an easy win. Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put the hosts 2-0 up, but Antoine Semenyo's double in the 76th minute brought Bournemouth back into the game. As Anfield looked set for a draw, Chiesa turned things around, before Salah sealed the win in stoppage time.

Liverpool took all three points thanks to their better chances, but the match was also a reminder of the lack of solidity in their defence. However, the title contenders’ mettle was on display at the right time. With Arne Slot in charge, “The Kop” showed that in any situation, they can overcome and win.

Source: https://znews.vn/pha-thay-nguoi-la-lam-cua-slot-giup-liverpool-thang-tran-mo-man-post1577328.html