Liverpool 2 Arsenal 1: Match Review
Neil Atkinson's Review Of Liverpool Vs Arsenal In Pre-season Tour
THEY achieved their goal.
The mind plays a trick on us by making us believe that Liverpool is always in the United States.
This is the first time in five years. Mo Salah was not even part of the team five years ago.
They achieved their goal by scoring a goal with Mo Salah. This wasn't just any goal, it was a classic Mo Salah goal. He scored an opening goal where he sprinted nearly half the field before calmly placing the ball past the goalkeeper at the perfect moment.
Mo Salah scored a goal in the game against Lincoln in Philadelphia in front of a large crowd of over 60,000 fans. Mo Salah has been consistently delivering what his fans love since 2017.
Liverpool finally achieved the goal they had earned since around the 10th minute. There were a few key moments in the first 10 minutes that could have changed the outcome, but they didn't. Arsenal had the chance to score first but missed it, allowing Liverpool to gain confidence and continue playing aggressively.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones create a strong foundation that I find thrilling. They communicate and analyze, support and strategize. Together, they enhance the team’s gameplay. Their partnership is successful and effective.
It was unexpected. There was no indication that Szoboszlai would be used in a different position, and the manager may decide to change that before the next game.
With that being said, Liverpool may benefit from seeing Szoboszlai in a similar light as Manchester City utilizes Bernardo Silva - he will provide what is necessary for the game at any moment.
However, Liverpool sees the game as beneficial for both teams.
However, it is Harvey Elliott who shines with two important assists. This is his role in the team and he performs it excellently, especially with his second assist to Fabio Carvalho ending in a superb finish.
In defense, Jarell Quansah is outstanding and my top player of the game. His ability to anticipate plays is remarkable, his timing on tackles is top-notch, and he is crucial to Liverpool's 2-1 lead at halftime.
In the second half, there was some back-and-forth action before Arsenal took control around the 60th minute and effectively utilized the entire width of the field. However, Liverpool struggled to maintain their composure after making substitutions, allowing Arsenal to capitalize on their weaknesses. Despite this, Liverpool managed to hold their ground and resist Arsenal's attacks.
Kelleher made an impressive save in the 67th minute and Arsenal had another good opportunity from a corner. However, a series of substitutions were made around the 72nd minute, signaling the end of the game.
Then comes another match. This is the usual routine during this season. Arsenal decides to keep some experienced players on the field for a bit longer, but overall they end the game strongly. They are expected to be contenders for all the big trophies.
We shouldn't get too ahead of ourselves, but it seems like we might be getting a bit carried away. Let's leave it at that for tonight. Except for one thing...
We need to start by acknowledging the importance of showing respect and decency for events in Southport. A moment of silence was impeccably observed before the game began, emphasizing the value of coming together as a collective human experience. We must strive to reject brutality and inhumanity, standing united against such forces. It is the least we can do to show our support and solidarity.
Philadelphia has been delightful in every aspect, but the final one is the most significant and noteworthy. It truly lives up to its reputation.
All my love from a brotherly perspective.
