3 standout performers from Arsenal's pre-season loss to Liverpool

Arsenal failed to sign off the US tour in style against Liverpool, but there were still a few bright outings to enthuse any bleary-eyed, late-night European observers.

Those brave souls (myself included) looked on in horror as the Reds raced into a two-goal lead in Philadelphia; Mohamed Salah beating the offside trap for the first goal, before Fabio Carvalho volleyed home 20 minutes later after some lovely work in the build-up.

Kai Havertz halved the deficit just before half-time, yet that was about as good as it got for Arsenal as they fell to their first defeat of the preseason campaign.

3 standout performers as Arsenal suffer a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in their final match of the US tour

Though it was not the result Mikel Arteta might have wanted, here are three standout performers from our final US match.

1. Kai Havertz

Beginning with the Arsenal goal-scorer, who returned to the starting line-up for this clash and featured in the LCM position here (aagh!).

The night ended up being largely reflective of his Gunners career so far, putting in a decent if unspectacular midfield display and making several good tackles to stop the Liverpool attack. One recovery challenge on Harvey Elliott was particularly impressive.

However, Havertz again looked his potent best when drifting into the box and made his biggest contribution in that zone, staying onside to tap home from close range and bring the score back to 2-1.

He looked good but is still a better choice at centre forward; maybe the impending arrival of Mikel Merino will see him stay there.

2. Gabriel Jesus

If Havertz told us what we already know about his own capabilities, then Gabriel Jesus really took the biscuit.

That is not a major critique of him as, overall, there were several positives to take from last night: he twice charged down clearances by Caoimhin Kelleher, got into some good attacking positions and generally disrupted the Liverpool build-up with his infectious energy.

But, as is often the case, Jesus had nothing to show for his efforts up front. He sent one first-half effort wide when he really should have done better and often found himself in the right goal-scoring places, without ever really coming close to capitalising.

After many fears that injuries would impact his quality, Jesus instead seems to be as fit and sharp as ever and could thus form a key asset for the team next season.

He just needs to find his shooting boots (we’ve heard that before…).

3. Martin Odegaard

Another night of Martin Odegaard doing Martin Odegaard things.

Our captain has had the summer off due to Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 and it showed on the East Coast, producing his usual array of nice touches, deft flicks and wonderful vision which should have resulted in a goal on more than one occasion.

Further to that, his exhibition of one particular skill move did lead to the only Arsenal strike of night. A quick feint in the box completely fooled Kostas Tsimikas and saw him get a deflected shot away, one which landed at the feet of Havertz who duly restored some pride to the pre-season scoreboard.

Odegaard is so often the man who makes everything work for Arsenal and this match was no different – he looks ready for the new campaign.

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