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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was delighted for Federico Chiesa to pop up with a huge moment at Anfield on Friday, hailing the "fantastic" impact that the Italian made to earn the points.
On the opening night in the Premier League, Liverpool had gone two goals up through Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo. But Antoine Semenyo then scored a brace with two counter-attacks to completely shift the narrative.
Chiesa, who was brought on late in the game, finished well. Egyptian star Mohamed Salah then netted his customary goal in the first game of the season to complete the scoring at 4-2.
Expanding on his delight for Chiesa being the hero, Slot said: "He came in in the end because we needed a goal. For him then to score in such a moment is special.
"It is even more special because the fans have supported him. It is nice that he gives them something in return with a great goal.
"The referee today kept the game going. It was a very high and intense game. Both teams were at it, trying to attack, trying to go through transition, and not time-wasting."
"We started the second half really well, being 2-0 up but we were playing against a team that never gives up," Slot added. "You have to give credit to them, but they faced a team that is very fit as well."
"[The goal] was a great moment for me, but my thoughts go to Diogo Jota," Chiesa told BBC Sport post-match. "I think for what we have seen it was his day.
"The feeling that the fans gave me, chanting his song all the way through the match. It was very emotional, very emotional for me.
"I have to say that after the goal, my thoughts went to his family, his brother Andre. That's the only thing I could say.
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"At the end of the day, we have to focus on the football. We wanted to win today. It was a difficult match, we went 2-0 up and then they came back, but we showed why we are champions.
"Of course Diogo would have helped us a lot but unfortunately he was somewhere else and he helped us in another way."
Liverpool.com says: Could Chiesa still have a role to play at Liverpool this season? It seemed unlikely before Friday but at the same time, Slot needs to ensure he has enough depth in attack.
If Chiesa is willing to stick around and play a bit-part role, he does have quality. It would be a risk to rely on him too often, but while he isn't as quick as he once was, the Italian still has talent.
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