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Liverpool vs Arsenal hits and misses as star solves problem and defender's woes continue

Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Philadelphia, with Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho both on the scoresheet for the Reds in front of a raucous crowd

[Head coach Arne Slot of Liverpool reacts during the match Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field on July 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.]

Arne Slot has won both of his pre-season friendly(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool secured their second victory in two friendlies under the helm of new manager Arne Slot.

The Reds triumphed over Arsenal 2-1 amidst a historic, full-house crowd in Philadelphia - and below we take a look at who were the biggest winners and losers on the night.

Liverpool initially found it challenging to implement Slot's more measured approach against the relentless pressure from Arsenal, frequently losing possession deep within their defensive third and narrowly avoiding falling behind.

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However, the first-half goals came courtesy of the wide men, with Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho capitalising on a couple of superb passes from Harvey Elliott to establish a crucial two-goal lead within the first 33 minutes.

Kai Havertz managed to reduce the deficit, scrambling a finish in front of goal, but the Gunners failed to level the score despite dominating the second half.

What did you think of the two sides' performance? Let us know in the comments section below

Winners

Harvey Elliott shines in midfield comeback

[Harvey Elliott]

Harvey Elliott was impressive for the Reds(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool's promising young talent sent Reds fans into a frenzy with his return to midfield on Wednesday, dismantling the Arsenal defence with two exceptional passes.

His initial contribution sparked a swift Liverpool counterattack, aided by Diogo Jota's impressive hold-up play, and he delivered a perfectly timed pass to meet Salah's speedy diagonal run, who then outpaced the Gunner's defence and slotted home a left-footed finish.

Elliott once again took control of the ball at the top of the penalty area 20 minutes later, delivering a superb chipped pass to Fabio Carvalho.

[Harvey Elliott]

Harvey Elliott could be one of Arne Slot's key players this season(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

With plenty of room in front of the goal, the left-winger expertly volleyed his shot into the bottom corner before immediately embracing Elliott.

In Liverpool's first match, the 21-year-old was relatively quiet, forming an unconventional centre-forward duo with Dominik Szoboszlai.

Elliott has openly discussed the challenging transition to Slot's management style, and his performance on Wednesday highlighted his adaptability and trust in the Dutch manager.

"It's very hard," Elliott confessed to Liverpool.com. "You know, it's a completely different style of play, completely different style of tactics but, you know, that's what happens in football. You need to adapt, you need to learn it."

Could Dominik Szoboszlai be Liverpool's answer in defensive midfield

[Dominik Szoboszlai]

Dominik Szoboszlai could be the answer to the Reds' midfield woes(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Szoboszlai moved back further than his former strike partner, taking up position alongside Curtis Jones as Liverpool's second defensive midfielder.

The significance of these double pivots in Slot's system was evident in the Reds' second friendly.

Although Szoboszlai has typically played as a No. 8 since joining Anfield last summer, he excelled in a deeper role on Wednesday night and could potentially fill a recognised gap in the Liverpool squad.

[Dominik Szoboszlai]

Dominik Szoboszlai played at the base of the midfield(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Hungarian ace was on fire, showing off his slick skills and defensive prowess, nipping a dangerous Arsenal attack in the bud with a top-notch sliding interception.

Szoboszlai's magic boots were at it again later in the half, as he danced past Martin Odegaard to tee up Harvey Elliott for Liverpool's belter of a second goal, despite a dodgy first touch.

Hungary's gaffer Marco Rossi reckons his captain could be a defensive midfield dynamo, and if he keeps bossing it like this, the Kop might just stop fretting about the club's quiet spell in the transfer market.

Losers

Nearly a nightmare for Caoimhin Kelleher

[Caoimhin Kelleher]

It was a tough night for Caoimhin Kelleher(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's young goalkeeper, Kelleher, had a rough night under Slot's management, nearly becoming the undisputed loser of the evening when an early pass attempt was intercepted by an Arsenal player, only to roll harmlessly away for a goal kick.

Despite several unsightly moments in possession and distribution, Kelleher made two crucial contributions that secured Liverpool's victory.

His perfectly placed 50-yard ball to Jota was one of just two passes in Liverpool's quick-fire opening movement, while a vital second-half save helped the Reds maintain a narrow 2-1 lead.

More woes for Oleksandr Zinchenko

[Alex Zinchenko]

Alex Zinchenko struggled again(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko continued to struggle defensively, failing to alleviate Arsenal fans' concerns about his defensive shortcomings.

He allowed Salah to drive Liverpool's attack forward multiple times down the right wing and was particularly exposed on Liverpool's rapid opening goal, unable to track the Egyptian's run from midfield and ultimately outrun by several Arsenal players.

Once again, the former Manchester City star failed to look up to the task when pinned back in his own defensive third.

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