Iraola’s First Match in Charge
Liverpool began their pre-season schedule with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville, marking Andoni Iraola’s first match as head coach. The game was part of Liverpool’s summer tour of the US. Iraola took over from Arne Slot at Anfield in June, and his new side demonstrated an impressive performance against Sunderland.
The match saw Liverpool score four goals, with contributions from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas. Sunderland, under the management of Regis le Bris, also found the net twice.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The opening goal for Liverpool came after 13 minutes from young midfielder Kieran Morrison, following a team move involving McConnell, Ngumoha, and Elliott. Morrison received the ball in space on the right side of the box and delivered a low shot into the bottom corner.
Sunderland equalised on 28 minutes when McConnell lost possession, allowing Le Fee to advance and score from 25 yards. The Black Cats then took the lead after 49 minutes when Frimpong lost the ball, leading to a goal from half-time substitute Tuterov.
Liverpool responded with a strong second-half performance. Dominik Szoboszlai levelled the score on 56 minutes with a powerful volley from the left edge of the box, following a break down the left involving Koumas and Kerkez. Federico Chiesa then put Liverpool back in front on 72 minutes, converting from a tight angle after being set up by Ramsey. Lewis Koumas sealed the victory for Liverpool on 85 minutes with a confident finish after receiving a pass from Szoboszlai.
Injury Concerns and Pre-season Schedule
Despite the win, there was a notable negative for Iraola as stand-in captain and long-serving defender Joe Gomez was forced off early in the match with what appeared to be a muscle issue. Gomez was replaced in the centre of defence by Ifeanyi Ndukwe just 10 minutes into the game. This injury concern comes at a time when Liverpool is already dealing with other defensive absences, including Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, who both missed the game in Nashville due to injury. Ibrahima Konate also departed the club on a free transfer at the end of last season.
Leoni, who joined Liverpool last year from Parma, is expected to be out for several months after sustaining an ACL injury on his debut last September. Jacquet, who arrived from Rennes this summer, missed the match with a minor knock, having recently recovered from a shoulder issue.
Liverpool’s pre-season continues with several upcoming fixtures. They are scheduled to face Wrexham in New York on July 30, followed by a match against Leeds in Chicago on August 2. Later in August, Liverpool will play Monaco at Anfield on August 9, and Como, also at Anfield, on August 16.
Sunderland’s pre-season schedule includes a match against Leeds in New Jersey on July 31, and a game against Wrexham in Philadelphia on August 2. They will also play Lens twice on August 8, once at the Lens training ground behind closed doors and again at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Sunderland’s final pre-season match is against Rennes at the Stadium of Light on August 15.
Source: skysports.com