Liverpool inched closer to the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over presume title foes Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
[ MORE: Liverpool vs Arsenal stats - FotMob.com ]
Both sides were once again without a number of key players as they rest and recover following their involvement at EURO 2024 and Copa America, but Liverpool were notably the sharper side in the first half when both sides were made up of mostly starters. The Reds were quick in transition upon winning the ball and repeatedly played through Arsenal’s midfield and defense, which were missing Declan Rice and William Saliba.
Mohamed Salah scored the opening goal from that exact situation, as Diogo Jota headed the ball down to Harvey Elliott, who quickly looked upfield and played Salah in behind the Arsenal defense with an inch-perfect through ball. Salah held off the last defender and curled a low finish inside the far post in the 13th minute.
Elliott was the orchestrator once again on Liverpool’s second goal in the 34th, this time opting for the clever chip over the backline to find Fabio Carvalho eight yards out. Carvalho’s first-time finish was cool to beat Karl Hein and double the advantage.
It was 2-0 for just six minutes, until Kai Havertz instinctively redirected Martin Odegaard’s deflected pass beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
Liverpool vs Arsenal highlights, final score: 2-1
Goalscorers: Mohamed Salah (14'), Fabio Carvalho (34'), Kai Havertz (40')
SALAH GIVES LIVERPOOL THE LEAD VS. ARSENAL!!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 31, 2024
WHAT A PLAY TO OPEN THE SCORING 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pwCCNZclIN
WHAT A GOAL FROM FABIO CARVALHO TO MAKE IT 2-0 AGAINST ARSENAL!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 1, 2024
ARNE SLOT BALL HAS ARRIVED 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7nMfP7fQdu
Below you’ll find lineups, video highlights, and live updates from the Liverpool vs Arsenal preseason friendly in Philly.
Martin Odegaard worked the space down the right side of the penalty area very well, but his shot/pass was deflected ever so slightly as it left his foot. No problem, though, as it ricocheted straight to Kai Haverz, who applied a cool touch to put it away.
Another piece of individual quality bordering on brilliance from Harvey Elliott. He got on the ball outside the penalty area and clipped a looping through ball over the Arsenal defense and into the path of Fabio Carvalho. The Portuguese youngster’s touch had to be deft, and it was.
WHAT A GOAL FROM FABIO CARVALHO TO MAKE IT 2-0 AGAINST ARSENAL!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 1, 2024
ARNE SLOT BALL HAS ARRIVED 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7nMfP7fQdu
Caoimhin Kelleher’s long ball was nodded down by Diogo Jota, into the path of Harvey Elliott, who found the pass in behind Arsenal’s defense, and Mohamed Salah was off to the races. Perhaps the Gunners are missing William Saliba just a bit in the heart of defense tonight.
SALAH GIVES LIVERPOOL THE LEAD VS. ARSENAL!!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 31, 2024
WHAT A PLAY TO OPEN THE SCORING 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pwCCNZclIN
Arne Slot already confirmed that Diogo Jota will only play the first half as he makes his 2024-25 preseason debut tonight. The same is likely true for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Kelleher - Bradley, Quansah, van den Berg, Tsimikas - Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott - Salah, Carvalho, Jota
Hein - White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko - Partey, Odegaard, Havertz - Nelson, Martinelli, Jesus
- Virgil van Dijk, Darwin Nuñez and Alisson remain on break and have not yet reported for preseason training
- Andrew Robertson is battling an injury and not expected to feature until after the team returns to England
- Curtis Jones picked up an injury against Real Betis and isn’t expected to play against Arsenal
- Diogo Jota is expected to see his first action for Liverpool this preseason after returning from international duty with Portugal
- Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale are all still on break after their participation in EURO 2024 and Copa America
- Takehiro Tomiyasu isn’t expected to play after picking a calf injury against Manchester United
- Kieran Tierney is also not with the squad as he recovers from a thigh injury