Salah and Eliott inspire Liverpool to victory against wasteful Arsenal
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Liverpool beat Arsenal in Philadelphia || Image credit: Imago

Salah and Eliott inspire Liverpool to victory against wasteful Arsenal

Faruq Ibrahim 06:33 - 01.08.2024

Liverpool laid down the gauntlet to fellow Premier League title contenders after beating Arsenal in pre-season friendlies.

Liverpool are now two for two in their pre-season preparations after beating Premier League rivals Arsenal 2-1 in their friendly match in the USA. 

Both teams advanced in their tours of America after recording victories in preceding games when they squared up at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA. 

Liverpool, who had beaten LALIGA side Real Betis in Pittsburgh, came out on top, trumping Arsenal, who failed to make it consecutive victories against Northern rivals after beating Manchester United in Inglewood three days ago

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Arne Slot’s side have looked well-oiled in their pre-season matches so far, and they took an early lead in the 13th minute of the encounter. 

It was a vintage Liverpool goal, lending credence to suggestions that Arne Slot will not make drastic changes to Jurgen Klopp’s set-up. Salah was played through on goal by Harvey Eliott after a long ball from the goalkeeper. The Egyptian international ran in behind the backline and finished calmly past Karl Hein.  

Fabio Carvalho doubled the lead for Liverpool in the 34th minute, finishing off a sweeping team move. Eliott was the provider once again—exploiting the space behind the Arsenal backline, he scooped the ball from the edge of the box into space for Carvalho, who finished with aplomb. 

Kai Havertz pulled one back from Arsenal in the 40th minute. A classic centre-forward, as he reacted quickest to redirect a ball played across goal into the frame of the target. 

Both teams pressed for more goals in the second half, with Arsenal getting the better of the chances, but their lack of an out-and-out centre-forward was evident and they were left to rue their profligacy. 

It remains to be seen if they will make a signing at centre-forward this summer. However, they do not seem proactive in addressing it, as they are set to complete their second summer acquisition, neither of which is an attacker

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