Liverpool x Arsenal

Liverpool continued their pre-season success with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, delighting nearly 70,000 Reds supporters. The match offered plenty of positive takeaways, including standout performances from both established stars and emerging talents. The game provided insights into manager Arne Slot's developing tactical approach and the players who might feature prominently in the upcoming season.

The first half saw two early goals that highlighted different but equally exciting aspects for Liverpool. Mo Salah's opener was a classic example of his quality, as he latched onto a perfectly weighted pass, outpaced the Arsenal defense, and coolly finished into the bottom left corner. This goal was a timely reminder of the Egyptian's enduring brilliance and his crucial role in the team. Young Fabio Carvalho then doubled the lead with a superb volley over the Arsenal keeper, showcasing his potential and staking a claim for a more central role at Anfield.

Defensively, Liverpool showed a much-needed robustness in the second half, an area they struggled with last season. Sepp van den Berg looked solid at the back, despite frequently passing back to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who remains the clear second choice. Curtis Jones' performance was also noteworthy, starting in place of the underwhelming Wataru Endo, who struggled to make an impact. With many starters playing significant minutes, the match provided a valuable glimpse into the team's preparedness and potential configurations for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

[Photography by Trey Madara]