Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-1 Wednesday with first-half goals by Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho. The preseason game at the home stadium of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles attracted a crowd of 69,879.
The Egyptian striker opened the scoring in the 13th minute by virtue of Harvey Elliott’s defense-splitting pass, outpacing Arsenal’s defenders to fire a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Karl Hein. In the 34th minute, Carvalho slotted home a right-foot volley after another perfect pass from Elliott to double Liverpool’s lead.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal pulled one back in the 40th minute to make it from close range following a pass from Martin Odegaard. There were no goals in the second period, but it was enough to secure a first win for new Reds boss Arne Slot following his appointment as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement. Notably, Arsenal’s new Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori didn’t make the squad.
In other preseason action in the United States, Manchester United squeaked past Real Betis 3-2 in San Diego. Iker Losada’s 15th-minute strike gave Betis the early lead, but three minutes later Marcus Rashford equalized from the spot after Amad Diallo was fouled. Diallo then gave United the lead in the 24th minute, with Casemiro tacking on a goal for a 3-1 halftime advantage. Diego Llorente’s header in the 61st minute was not enough for Betis.
Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win over Mexico’s Club America in Atlanta. A first half penalty from Christopher Nkunku, followed by Marc Guiu’s headed goal and another penalty by substitute Noni Madueke rounded off the win.
Samuel Chukwueze struck a winner in the 55th minute as AC Milan edged Real Madrid 1-0 in Chicago.
