Iraola era starts with a win, but Gomez goes down early
Liverpool 4–2 Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, and Andoni Iraola's first game in charge delivered goals, a comeback, and one major worry (1) (7) (8). Joe Gomez came off injured early, and Iraola did not sugarcoat it: "Probably the worst news has been straight away the injury of Joe. We were happy because we were going through training without losing any players, and unluckily for us we've lost Joe straight away" (1) (3) (6) (7). Sunderland scored first, but your team responded. Szoboszlai, Chiesa (with a Ramsay assist), and a Koumas late strike sealed it (4) (8) (9). The win is encouraging. The Gomez injury is not.
Szoboszlai runs the show with a 25-yard volley
Dominik Szoboszlai equalised with a stunning volley from 25 yards, a hit that brought the travelling fans to their feet (9). He wore the captain's armband in the second half and looked every bit the leader Iraola will need this season (8) (9). That kind of goal in a pre-season friendly tells you he is ready.
Ramsay grabs his chance at right-back
Calvin Ramsay set up Federico Chiesa's goal in the 72nd minute with a pinpoint delivery (4). Conor Bradley is injured and Jeremie Frimpong has been struggling, so that assist matters. Ramsay has spent a long time out of the picture and this was a well-timed reminder that he can still contribute (4).
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Jacquet close to returning, defensive relief incoming
Iraola confirmed Jeremy Jacquet missed the Sunderland match only as a precaution. "He will play probably in the last game of this US tour," Iraola said, noting the defender has gone months without competitive minutes (3). With Gomez out and Virgil van Dijk absent, Jacquet returning even for one pre-season outing helps.
Kerkez on the 'big difference' Iraola brings
Milos Kerkez told Yahoo Sport that fans should expect a clear shift in style under the new manager. He pointed to intensity and organisation as the hallmarks Iraola is drilling into the squad from day one (5). No vague soundbites here, just a player who knows what the new boss wants.
A minute of silence for Kevin Keegan
Liverpool held a minute of silence before kick-off for Kevin Keegan, the legendary former player who died on Monday at 75 (10). Keegan led the club to multiple trophies in the 1970s. The tribute in Nashville was fitting.
Fan-reaktioner
The Szoboszlai volley dominated the match threads. One fan posted it with the deadpan "Pick that out" and the replies piled up fast. Chiesa's go-ahead goal also got its own thread, but the real buzz was around the Hungarian's strike. Check the full reaction here.
