In the first match of Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, the team defeated Spanish Betis 1-0 with a goal from Dominik Szoboszlai in the first appearance of the American tour, and the Reds played the second match against Arsenal in Philadelphia. There was reason to repay, as in February the Londoners beat Liverpool, then still led by Jürgen Klopp, 3-1, which later dropped out of the race for the title in the Premier League.
Liverpool players are celebrating, including Dominik Szoboszlai. Photo: liverpoolfc.com
Szoboszlai, like in the first Slot match, was a starter this time and spent 71 minutes on the field, as did several key players of the team, such as Mohamed Szalah, who scored the first goal, or Harvey Elliott, who distributed two assists. Liverpool took a 2-0 lead in the first half with Fábio Carvalho’s goal after Szalah’s goal, but Arsenal made it even better in the 40th minute through Kai Havertz.
The result did not change after the break, 2-1 remained, so Slot is perfect for now at the head of Liverpool, even if these are only preparation games. This time, Szoboszlai stood out from the field not with a goal, but with an extremely useful play in the middle of the midfield.
The Hungarian midfielder passed with 94 percent accuracy (34/36), which reminded him of Toni Kroos, who is retiring from Real Madrid. In addition, he had seven passes in the attacking third, provided one key pass, and also had four possessions and two out of two successful tackling attempts.
Liverpool will next play against Manchester United in Columbia starting at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, and will conclude the American tour with this match.
