ARNE SLOT inflicted defeat on Mikel Arteta for the first time this summer as Arsenal’s winning pre-season run came to an end.
Arsenal boss Arteta named his strongest starting line-up yet for the third and final match of their American tour.
Maybe he wanted to lay down a marker as he starts a fresh rivalry with new Liverpool coach Slot before jetting back to London overnight.
It seemed to be going to plan as Brazilian pair Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both went close to scoring in the opening minutes.
Then the Gunners were rocked by Mohamed Salah’s turn of pace, reacting to Harvey Elliott’s inch-perfect through ball, to score Liverpool’s opener after 13 minutes.
Even with the ever-reliable Gabriel starting at the back for the first time this summer, Arsenal looked unusually wobbly.
Diogo Jota fired against a post too before Fabio Carvalho’s spectacular volleyed second in the 33rd minute.
Elliott was again allowed too much time and space to lob in a skilful assist.
Arsenal took four points from Liverpool in their title chase last season and there was a clear desire to make sure they did not allow Slot a psychological pre-season boost.
The impressive Martinelli carved out the opening for Arsenal to pull one back, with help from the excellent Martin Odegaard, through a Kai Havertz tap in.
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Both sides made changes in the stifling evening heat of the second half as the referee called for water breaks to assist the players.
Arsenal looked the stronger and fitter of the two teams and nearly equalised though sub Favio Vieira but for a fine Caoimhin Kelleher save.
Either way, the match was a hit with the record 69,879 crowd for a football match at this state-of-the-art Lincoln Financial Field Stadium.
