Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, held at the Lincoln Financial Field, home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho both found the net in the first half for Liverpool, while Kai Havertz scored for Arsenal, providing a lively first half that ultimately decided the match.
Liverpool’s breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Mohamed Salah displayed his trademark pace. The Egyptian forward sprinted past the Arsenal defense to meet a perfectly-timed through ball from Harvey Elliott. Salah then coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Karl Hein with a low left-footed strike, giving Liverpool an early advantage.
The Reds doubled their lead in the 34th minute, with Elliott once again playing a crucial role. The young midfielder lofted a precise pass into the box, which found Fabio Carvalho. The Portuguese winger made no mistake, volleying the ball through Hein’s legs to extend Liverpool’s lead to 2-0.
Arsenal responded before the half-time whistle, narrowing the deficit in the 40th minute. Martin Odegaard delivered a pinpoint pass to Kai Havertz, who was positioned inside the six-yard box. The German international converted from close range, beating Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to make it 2-1.
Despite a goalless second half, Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, enjoyed a successful outing in his debut, following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. Arsenal’s recent signing, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, did not feature in the match.
Elsewhere in the United States, Manchester United triumphed over Real Betis with a 3-2 scoreline at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. Betis initially took the lead with a 15th-minute goal from Iker Losada. However, Manchester United quickly responded when Romain Perraud brought down Amad Diallo in the penalty area, allowing Marcus Rashford to equalize from the spot in the 18th minute. Diallo then gave United the lead with a strike in the 24th minute, and Casemiro added another with a powerful left-footed effort in the 31st minute. Despite Diego Llorente’s 61st-minute header for Betis, United held on for the win.
In Atlanta, Chelsea comfortably defeated Club América 3-0. Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring early with a third-minute penalty. Marc Guiu added a second with a header in the 21st minute, and Noni Madueke sealed the victory with another penalty in the 79th minute.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, AC Milan edged out Real Madrid with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to Samuel Chukwueze’s goal in the 55th minute. The Nigerian winger’s effort was enough to secure the victory for the Rossoneri.
These matches provided a thrilling display of football, showcasing the preparation and form of top European clubs ahead of the upcoming season.
