Liverpool vs Arsenal
It’s off to Philadelphia for the latest Club Friendly involving two big English clubs.
As the US hosts a summer of some of the giants of the game worldwide, the teams that finished second and third in last season’s English Premier League go head-to-head at the Lincoln Financial Field.
What early pointers can we expect ahead of the start of the new campaign?
Talking Points
Well, whatever friendly highlights are delivered, it is futile to read too much into the result.
It could, however, give us a clue as to whether the Gunners will change the approach that secured them back-to-back runner-up positions and/or whether Liverpool will opt for a new system under a new manager.
The Merseysiders’ recently arrived incumbent, Arne Slot, certainly appears to be favouring a different style from that of his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.
Both teams, although far from full strength, enjoyed winning outings at the weekend. Arsenal saw off Manchester United 2-1 before United won the subsequent penalty shoot-out—the rules of this summer festival mean all games end with a shoot-out regardless of the scoreline (call it Yank Razzmatazz!).
Meanwhile, Liverpool edged out La Liga side Real Betis with a solitary goal from Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Like Slot, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still has plenty of stars to return as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and David Raya are all on their break after a busy summer of international action.
As many as 14 Liverpool players were involved in international duty at either Euro 2024 or Copa America, with the majority yet to return after reaching the knockout rounds.
Only Andrew Robertson (Scotland), Diogo Jota (Portugal and scarcely used), Szoboszlai and Vitezslav Jaros (Czech Republic) have returned to date. One player who may be involved in this friendly at some stage is Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian, who was snapped up from Bologna on Monday for a fee of up to £42 million, appears to be an astute move by Arteta and a player who will strengthen their offering. The 22-year-old, who started Italy’s three group games at Euro 2024, has signed a five-year deal in North London.
Calafiori, who spent one season at Bologna, can play as a central defender or at left-back. He netted twice and registered five assists during 30 Serie A games last term as they surprisingly sealed a Champions League spot.
There is also talk that Arteta is keen to strengthen his attacking options by recruiting Brentford and England man Ivan Toney, although it remains to be seen whether his wish becomes a realistic shopping list.
Whether Slot decides he needs to strengthen a squad that has real depth remains to be seen, and the club refused an offer from Marseille for Japan midfielder Wataru Endo worth an estimated £11.8 million.
The 31-year-old joined Liverpool on a four-year deal from Stuttgart for in the region of £16 million last August. That suggests the new boss believes Endo has a key role to play after a fine first season in the English top flight.
All will be revealed over the next few weeks, but first a friendly in Philly which could give us a glimpse of what is to come.
History
There is quite a history between these two English greats.
After dominating the English football landscape for 15 years in the 1970s and 1980s, it was actually Arsenal who triggered the start of Liverpool’s decline with an unforgettable title-clinching victory at Anfield—one of two in three years in the late 80s and early 1990s as the Gunners were crowned top dogs twice in three years.
These sides met three times in a little over a month last season with one win apiece and one draw.
The first contest, a little over 36 hours before Christmas Day, was a league encounter which ended 1-1 at Anfield as Gabriel and Mohamed Salah traded first half goals.
A fortnight later, they met in the third round of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium, and two late goals saw the Merseysiders record an impressive 2-0 win.
It was back to North London four weeks after that, where the Gunners turned the tables in a super display.
Their 3-1 success was secured through Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard goals, with his own goal the sole reply for the visitors. Overall, Liverpool have 95 wins compared to Arsenal’s 83 victories and 64 draws.
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