Liverpool have completed their pre season preparations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield, giving new manager Andoni Iraola a positive result ahead of the club’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
The Reds produced a controlled performance in their final public friendly before competitive football returns, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring before new signing Jérémy Jacquet added a second just before half time.
The victory was particularly encouraging for Liverpool after a mixed run of results during their preparations. Iraola’s side had previously suffered defeats against Leeds United and Monaco, making Sunday’s performance an important opportunity to restore confidence before the pressure of the Premier League begins.
Liverpool started brightly at Anfield and immediately looked more organised in possession. With several senior players back in the starting lineup, the Reds moved the ball quickly and repeatedly attempted to exploit space down the flanks.
New signing Jeremie Frimpong was particularly influential in the opening stages, providing the width and attacking energy Liverpool wanted from the right side.
The pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 23rd minute.
Frimpong delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, and Gakpo reacted quickly to finish from close range with his left foot. The Netherlands international’s composed finish gave Liverpool a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Gakpo’s goal also continued his encouraging pre season form as Liverpool prepare for a campaign in which attacking consistency will be crucial.
Como attempted to respond and created moments of danger of their own. Alisson Becker was called into action when Jesús Rodríguez tested him from inside the box, but the Brazilian goalkeeper reacted well to keep the Italian side from finding an equaliser.
Liverpool remained the more threatening team, however, with Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch helping the home side maintain control of midfield.
Virgil van Dijk also came close to extending Liverpool’s lead when he headed a Szoboszlai cross narrowly wide.
The second goal finally arrived in the 43rd minute, and it was a memorable moment for Jacquet.
The young French defender reacted fastest following a Liverpool corner and finished from close range to make it 2-0. Gakpo provided the assist, meaning the Dutch forward finished the match with a goal and an assist.
For Jacquet, the goal capped an impressive first appearance for Liverpool. The defender showed confidence in possession and composure at the back before making his mark at the opposite end of the pitch.
Liverpool went into half time with a comfortable two goal advantage and made several changes after the break as Iraola continued to manage the workload of his squad.
Ronald Araújo replaced Jacquet in central defence, allowing the new Barcelona loanee to gain valuable minutes alongside Van Dijk. The defensive partnership will be one of the areas Liverpool supporters will watch closely as the season progresses.
Como improved after the interval and attempted to put Liverpool under greater pressure, but the Reds remained defensively disciplined.
Iraola also introduced several young players during the second half, including Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni, giving them valuable experience ahead of the new campaign.
Alexander Isak, another major attacking option for Liverpool, started the match and showed encouraging movement before being replaced late in the game. His presence gives Iraola another significant weapon as Liverpool prepare for their opening league fixture.
The match was also important because it allowed Liverpool’s returning World Cup players to build up their fitness. Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Gakpo were among those who had returned later to pre season following their international commitments.
The victory therefore provided more than just another friendly win. It gave Iraola the opportunity to assess his squad under match conditions while gradually building the tactical identity he wants Liverpool to adopt.
The Spanish coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of intensity, energy and consistency, and the performance against Como showed signs that his players are beginning to understand those demands.
Liverpool’s final pre season outing also came with an important reminder that friendly results cannot completely predict what will happen once competitive football begins. However, the clean sheet, attacking efficiency and strong first half performance will certainly give Iraola plenty of positives to take forward.
The Reds will now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they face a difficult opening fixture away to Newcastle United on August 23.
That match will provide the first genuine test of Iraola’s Liverpool project.
For now, though, Liverpool can head into the new campaign with confidence after ending their pre season schedule on a winning note.
Gakpo’s finishing, Jacquet’s impressive debut, Frimpong’s attacking contribution and the defensive solidity shown throughout the match all provided reasons for optimism.
The final whistle at Anfield confirmed a 2-0 Liverpool victory, with Gakpo striking in the 23rd minute and Jacquet doubling the advantage in the 43rd.
Liverpool have finished their preparations.
Now the real test begins.
Final Score: Liverpool 2-0 Como
Goals: Cody Gakpo 23′, Jérémy Jacquet 43′.
