Liverpool Match Reports
Liverpool’s Chicago setback exposes familiar defensive concerns
Wirtz impressed, Nyoni shone, but Liverpool’s long-ball defending was exposed in Chicago.
Liverpool’s final stop on their U.S. preseason tour ended badly, as Leeds United ran out 4-2 winners in Chicago at Soldier Field. It was only the second time since 2001 that Leeds have beaten the Merseyside club, and while the result will not count in the standings, it left Liverpool with several issues to examine before the campaign gathers pace.
The most encouraging figure for Liverpool was Florian Wirtz. The German attacker, who had been under pressure after a difficult first season at Anfield and a disappointing summer with Germany, looked far more at ease in his first appearance of the new season. Used in the No. 10 role by Iraola, Wirtz settled quickly, linked play with confidence and finished the move for Liverpool’s second goal after combining with Jeremie Frimpong. It was the sort of performance that suggested he may finally be finding his best level in a Liverpool shirt.
Iraola will also take satisfaction from how Trey Nyoni performed. The 19-year-old helped build the move for Wirtz’s goal with a smart lofted pass to Frimpong and once again showed composure in midfield. After strong displays earlier in the tour, he strengthened his case for more first-team involvement.
The defensive side told a very different story. Ifeanyi Ndukwe looked uncertain against Leeds after previously impressing, while Mor Talla Ndiaye also struggled after coming on in the second half. Liverpool were punished twice from long throws, with the back line failing to deal with the aerial threat. That left questions over organisation, timing and defensive depth.
Liverpool had looked set to finish their U.S. trip unbeaten, but instead they return home with a loss and a clear list of problems to address. The attack showed promise, yet the defensive structure was exposed in a way Iraola cannot ignore.
Liverpool Match Reports
Iraola’s Liverpool Start Shows Promise, but Fitness Concerns Remain
Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Sunderland hinted at Iraola’s style, while injuries and youth stood out.
Liverpool opened the Andoni Iraola era with a 4-2 win over Sunderland in their preseason opener on Saturday, a result that offered early encouragement and a few familiar concerns.
The Reds struck first in a move that summed up Iraola’s approach, moving from deep to the final third in only four passes. James McConnell was involved in the build-up before Kieran Morrison finished neatly into the far corner after cutting in from the right.
After the restart, though, Jeremie Frimpong was caught in possession near his own penalty area and Sunderland punished the mistake through Timur Tuterov. Liverpool responded quickly, with Dominik Szoboszlai levelling less than 10 minutes later after collecting a rebound and drilling a strike from outside the area past Melker Ellborg.
From there, Liverpool took control. Federico Chiesa added the third, and Lewis Koumas completed the scoring late on. The final goal was another example of the vertical, direct pattern Iraola wants, with the ball moved quickly from midfield into a dangerous attacking position before Koumas finished calmly.
There was plenty of evidence of a side trying to press high and recover the ball aggressively, but the risks of that approach were also exposed. When the press was bypassed, Liverpool could be opened up in transition, and Sunderland found space to create their second goal.
One of the biggest negatives came early when Joe Gomez went down with an apparent muscular issue and had to be withdrawn. He has continued to struggle with availability, having played just over 2,000 minutes across the last two seasons and missed more than 30 games through injury. He was replaced by 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
With several senior players still away or only just returning to fitness, the match also gave younger players a chance to stand out. Morrison impressed alongside Rio Ngumoha, while McConnell was influential before his costly turnover. Trey Nyoni was perhaps the most eye-catching after the break, leading the match in defensive contributions and chance creation.
It was not a flawless start, but it was a clear one.
