Slick Liverpool Impress in Stateside Win
A brace from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho handed Liverpool their second pre-season victory as they overcame Arsenal 2-1 in Philadelphia.
Jurgen Klopp's side showed signs of their growing pre-season prowess, with summer signing Carvalho opening the scoring with a composed finish before Salah doubled their advantage with a clinical strike.
Despite Kai Havertz pulling one back for Arsenal before half-time, Liverpool held on for a hard-fought triumph as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Thriving in the USA
The Reds have enjoyed a positive tour of the United States so far, with victory over Manchester United in Thailand preceding this latest success against Arsenal.
The support for Liverpool in the States has been evident throughout their tour, with a capacity crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia witnessing their latest triumph.
Youngsters Impress
While the likes of Salah and Carvalho provided the goals, it was the performances of Liverpool's younger players that caught the eye.
Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones all played key roles in the victory, showing that Klopp has plenty of depth in his squad.
Salah's Role Model Status
Salah has been a key figure for Liverpool's young players since the team returned for pre-season.
The Egyptian forward has set an example with his fitness and dedication, and his performances on the pitch have been equally impressive.
Klopp Pleased with Progress
Despite the absence of several key players, Klopp was delighted with his team's progress in pre-season.
"We've had a good tour until now," said Klopp. "The facilities are good, the temperature is good. We've felt today how hard it is and how tough it is to play against a team that wants to press us high – and we want to press them high. So, you need to be really fit to play games like this and we are working on this. We are heading in the right direction."
Focus on Fitness and Pressing
Klopp also highlighted the importance of fitness and pressing in his team's performance.
"We need to be really fit to play games like this," said Klopp. "We felt today how hard it is and how tough it is to play against a team that wants to press us high – and we want to press them high. So, you need to be really fit to play games like this and we are working on this. We are heading in the right direction."
Elliot Praised for Assists
Harvey Elliot's two assists in the victory caught the eye of Klopp.
"He had two great assists," said Klopp. "But what I believe is that the team created these assists for him as well. Playing out from the back, getting him in the right positions – or another No.10. Then it is up to him to bring the most of these situations and he did that today with two assists."
Jota's Impact
The presence of Diogo Jota in the starting lineup also made a positive impact for Liverpool.
"He did," said Klopp. "I think that helps to have someone who naturally plays in that position. Although Arsenal were man-v-man all over the place, then it helps if you have a striker who is smart and is intelligent, knows when to make the deep runs and knows when to hold the ball."
Philadelphia Fan Club Flourishes
In other news, Liverpool's Official LFC Supporters Club in Philadelphia continues to thrive, providing a vibrant community for Reds fans in the USA.
The club boasts over 800 members and six partner bars throughout the Delaware Valley, serving as a welcoming hub for supporters to connect and celebrate their shared passion for Liverpool.
The OLSC Philadelphia regularly hosts meet-ups for every match throughout the season, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere for fans to cheer on their team together.
