Salah scores as Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-1 while Chelsea, Man Utd win

In a thrilling pre-season match, Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho. The match, held at the home stadium of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, saw an impressive turnout of 69,879 fans.

The Egyptian forward Salah opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Receiving a defense-splitting pass from Harvey Elliott, Salah outpaced Arsenal defenders and struck a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Karl Hein, putting Liverpool ahead.

Liverpool’s second goal came in the 34th minute, with Elliott once again playing a crucial role. The 21-year-old midfielder delivered a perfectly lofted pass into the box, which Portuguese winger Fabio Carvalho met with a crisp right-foot volley, sending the ball through Hein’s legs and doubling Liverpool’s lead.

Arsenal managed to reduce the deficit in the 40th minute. Kai Havertz, the former Chelsea star, found the net after Martin Odegaard set him up in the six-yard box. Havertz’s close-range finish past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher brought the score to 2-1, providing a lifeline for the Gunners.

Despite a goalless second half, Liverpool’s new Dutch manager, Arne Slot, celebrated his first significant win since replacing Jurgen Klopp. Arsenal, on the other hand, did not feature their new 22-year-old Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, leaving fans curious about his potential impact on the team.

In other friendly action in the United States, Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory over Mexico’s Club America. The London club displayed a dominant performance, highlighting their readiness for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, AC Milan managed a narrow 1-0 win against Real Madrid, showcasing their defensive solidity.

Manchester United also had a successful outing, edging Real Betis 3-2 in a closely contested match. United’s new signings and established stars combined effectively, indicating promising signs for their fans.

Overall, the pre-season friendlies provided a glimpse into the form and readiness of top European clubs as they prepare for the new season.