Liverpool’s 2-1 Triumph Over Arsenal: Key Takeaways

Well maybe it is always sunny in Philadelphia after all. It certainly was first half and even as it set in the second there was plenty for nearly 70000 reds in attendance to like. Liverpool secured another victory by a goal in a 2-1 win over Arsenal where there was a lot to like on both sides of the ball.

There was a youthful shining star, a reminder from the main man and one who hopes to be part of it all too. We’re starting to see what Slot-ball might look like and we’re starting to see who may or may not be part of that Ipswich line-up. We look at the lessons learned from this one.

Different Reasons But Good For The Goal-scorers

Both goals came quite early in the game and it was pleasing in different ways for those that got onto the scoresheet. Mo Salah gave us a timely reminder that there is some gas still in that tank as the Egyptian king burst onto a perfectly weighted pass to go behind the Arsenal defence then cut inside and steer his finish into the bottom left corner. Clinical.

For the second, young Fabio Carvalho volleyed a lofted ball over the top past the arsenal keeper which did his claims to be more central no harm at all. Whether you see a future at Anfield for him or not as he’d been written about earlier in the day, this was a good reminder what he could do.

Harvey The Star

Speaking of reminders, there was one player keen to show everyone just how good he is and how he’ll be looking to be part of that first XI next season. If Diogo Jota had finished instead of hitting the post, then he’d have had a hat-trick of assists in his one, but we saw more than enough of his repertoire.

A perfectly weighted first-time pass allowed Salah to burst through without breaking stride for the first. An almost lofted pitching wedge allowed Carvalho to compose himself before volleying it on to make it two. With others still to return and the season a couple of weeks away, he’s a really strong claim just now to start against Ipswich. Either way, he was the star man in this one.

Other Key Call-Outs

You should never read too much into a pre-season friendly, but there were standouts here. The first half was all about the attacking play, but it was great to see a pretty robust defensive effort in the second half, which we lacked last campaign. Van Der a Berg looked solid, although he continuously went back to Kelleher, who is clearly the second choice despite Jaros claims.

Curtis was fine after-all and maybe more telling was him starting in place of Endo, who struggled when he came on and already has question marks over him minutes and future under Arne Slot. A lot of the starters got 71 minutes and you wonder if they all start against United again. You can decide, but there was a lot to like and consider from this one.