BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Tuesday, July 10, 2018: Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo celebrates scoring the second goal during a preseason friendly match between Tranmere Rovers FC and Liverpool FC at Prenton Park. (Pic by Paul Greenwood/Propaganda)

Tranmere 2-3 Liverpool: Reds stutter in pre-season friendly of two halves

Liverpool produced a strong first half and collapsed after the break as Jurgen Klopp‘s mixed XIs played out a tight 3-2 victory over Tranmere.

Tranmere Rovers 2-3 Liverpool

Prenton Park
Pre-Season Friendly (2)

Goals

Camacho 8′ (assist – Ojo)
Ojo 27′ (assist – Keita)
Lallana 33′ (assist – Robertson)
Smith 71′ (assist – Karius)
Soukouna 80′ (assist – Chirivella)


First-half XI: Ward; Camacho, Phillips, Klavan, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita, Lallana; Ojo, Kent, Solanke

Jurgen Klopp‘s side headed out into the Birkenhead sun wearing their new purple away kit, with the manager fielding another makeshift side as Adam Lallana wore the captain’s armband.

It took just seven-and-a-half minutes for the visitors to break the deadlock, with Sheyi Ojo‘s persistence down the right flank allowing Rafa Camacho to cut inside and fire home to make it 1-0.

Ojo added to the scoresheet himself just before the half-hour, picking up the ball on the wing, toying with Mark Ellis and driving low beyond goalkeeper Scott Davies from a tight angle.

The Reds’ third came following a scramble in the penalty area, with the impressive Andy Robertson eventually backheeling towards Lallana who put his foot through it and into the back of the net.

Ryan Kent and Dominic Solanke combined for a late opportunity that was spurned by a fine tackle, in what could prove to be a fitting portrayal of the duo’s prospects.

Second-half XI: Karius; Clyne, Chirivella, Gomez, Moreno; Milner, Woodburn; Wilson, Jones; Origi, Sturridge

Klopp made 11 changes at the break, with Harry Wilson taking up his position on the right of a 4-2-2-2 on the back of signing a new five-year contract with the Reds.

Loris Karius was given a taste of things to come when a routine catch was met with ironic cheers, and the impact was hammered home immediately as he shanked his attempted pass.

Following Solanke’s lead from the first half, Divock Origi continued to struggle in front of goal, blasting an effort high and wide after being fed through on the right-hand side of the box.

And Liverpool conceded soon after, with Karius spilling a free-kick from Ollie Norburn, allowing Jonny Smith to follow up and reduce the deficit in a cruel blow for the No. 1.

Karius was less at fault for Tranmere’s second, with Pedro Chirivella‘s poor back-pass allowing Amadou Soukouna through to make it 3-2.

Having been critical of his side’s display in the first half at Chester, Klopp will have been frustrated after half-time at Prenton Park, as his altered side failed to find any rhythm.


TIA Man of the Match: Adam Lallana

Referee: Mike Dean

Next match: Bury (A) – Pre-Season Friendly (3) – July 14

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