The Reds dominated possession in a narrow 1-0 victory in Pittsburgh, with Conor Bradley catching the eye at right-back
The Arne Slot era has begun. And so far, there are definite signs of encouragement. The Dutchman’s new-look Liverpool side were sloppy at times but showed enough about them at the start of their U.S. tour to suggest that life after Jurgen Klopp will be rosy.
With a number of big names given time off following the summer tournament madness, Slot supplemented a number of star names – including Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai – with some back-up players, and it showed at times as we didn’t quite see the free-flowing Liverpool we’ve been used to.
Indeed, the contest simmered for most of the first half, a new-look and much-changed Reds struggling to find a rhythm under Slot. Szoboszlai provided the majority of the threat, thriving in the space afforded to him on the right side of the pitch.
He scored the opener and what would turn out to be the winning goal for Liverpool, sprinting behind the backline and taking a delicate Salah pass in his stride before finding the bottom corner with a clever finish. Chances were few and far between otherwise, with the impressive Bradley offering ideas and invention on the right wing. Without a recognised striker in the team, however, the Merseysiders failed to truly capitalise.
After an hour, Slot introduced waves of academy products, giving his bigger names a rest ahead of a fast-approaching season. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the new manager might have something to play with here.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Acrisure Stadium…