Luis Díaz scored a first-half brace and Diogo Jota chipped in with a goal and an assist as Liverpool looked ready for the regular season thanks to a 4-1 win over Savilla Saturday at Anfield.
First Half
Mohamed Salah delivered a dangerous cross in the box inside the first five minutes, but the keeper claimed the ball. Jarell Quansah had a bad giveaway in the 14th minute, but Stanis Idumbo Muzambo put the chance high for Sevilla.
Liverpool earned a corner in the 20th minute, but the goalie batted away the chance. The Reds kept the pressure on as Luis Díaz put a shot high. Salah just missed wide in the 27th. Liverpool earned a freekick near the half-hour mark, the chance was cleared but Trent Alexander-Arnold recovered the ball and he played the ball to Diogo Jota. He did not wait for the ball to settle as he fired a shot in the far corner of the net for a 1-0 Liverpool lead.
Liverpool nearly scored again on a breakaway in the 38th minute, but the play was disrupted. Díaz struck moments later as Jota found him on the near side and he finished in the same far corner to double the lead to 2-0.
The Reds finely finished the half as they executed a counterattack to perfection after Alison claimed a freekick, he played the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai. He made a run in the box, forcing the goalie off of his line, He slid the ball to Díaz who calmly completed the tap-in for a 3-0 halftime lead.
Second Half
Even though Sevilla earned a corner in the opening moments of the second half, it was Liverpool who spent the majority of the time in the attacking third. Virgil van Dijk forced a save from a header in the 60th minute.
Sevilla pulled a goal back as Peque scored in the 66th minute, but the Reds restored their three-goal lead when 17-year-old Trey Nyoni fired home a rebound for a 4-1 lead in the 67th minute. Quansah, Salah and Alexis Mac Allister each put a shot on frame over the next five minutes, but each attempt was saved. Peque missed a shot in the 86th minute and Salah forced a good save moments later, No stoppage time was added on as Liverpool took the 4-1 win after 90 minutes.
A Look At The Stats
Liverpool looked as if they were in control for most of the match, but the stats aren't as one-sided as you might assume. The Reds held possession at a 56 per cent clip while they did outshoot Sevilla 12-8 (9-2 on goal). Liverpool also won the corner kick battle 5-2.
Early Impressions of Arne
They have been positive for four straight wins to open a campaign, whether it's preseason or not is impressive. There are some differences from last year, though as Liverpool seem less direct in their attack and more deliberate when they possess the ball. It's not full-throttle for 90 minutes. You could see that approach pay off, particularly in the third goal as the attack started in the back with Alison as he played the ball on the ground instead of launching it forward.
Díaz Solid in Season Debut
The fact that Luis Díaz scored a brace in his season debut was even more impressive when you consider this was his first match action since the Copa America final nearly a month ago. He did not travel with the Reds on their USA Tour, but with today's showing, it does not appear he needed to.
LFC Globe Verdict
It's always nice to get a win, but to get an emphatic win is even better. Liverpool look primed and ready for the Premier League campaign. Now all we supporters have to do is wait for kickoff, on August 17th.
Man Of The Match
Since I have already discussed Luis Díaz, I am going to give Man Of The Match To Diogo Jota. He came through with a goal and an assist, managing to put in a full shift after suffering an early knock. Special recognition goes to Trey Nyoni who came on as a sub and the youngster proceeded to score a goal at the Kop End of Anfield. Well done.
What's Next
Liverpool will have a closed-door friendly later today (August 11th) vs Las Palmas, but all eyes are now turned to the EPL opener vs Ipswich Town away on August 17th.
Goals
Liverpool
- Diogo Jota 30'
- Luis Díaz 39'
- Luis Díaz 45+'
- Trey Nyoni 67'
Sevilla
1. Peque 66'
Substitutions
Liverpool
- Trey Nyoni for Luis Díaz 63'
- Vitezslav Jaros for Alisson Becker 63'
- Joe Gomez for Virgil van Dijk 74'
- Stefan Bajcetic for Alexis Mac Allister 74'
- Luca Stephenson for Trent Alexander-Arnold 74'
- Tyler Morton for Ryan Gravenberch 82'
Sevilla
- Dodi Lukebakio for Alberto Collado HT'
- Pablo Rivera for Lucien Agoume HT'
- Gonzalo Montiel for Adria Pedrosa HT'
- Alberto Flores for Orjan Nyland HT'
- Nenmanja Gudelj for Tanguy Nianzou HT'
- Jose Angel Carmona for Dario Benavides HT'
- Djibril Sow for Sousa HT'
- Chidera Ejuke for Stanis Idumbo-Muzambo HT'
- Peque for Kelechi Iheanacho Ht'
- Manu Bueno for Saul Niguez 82'
