Liverpool ended their pre-season with a much-improved performance as the Reds beat Lyon 3-1 and provided plenty of positives for supporters.
Liverpool 3-1 Lyon
Pre-season Friendly (7), Stade de Geneve
July 31 2019
Goals: Firmino 17′, Anderson OG 22′, Wilson 53′; Depay pen 4′
The Reds travelled to Geneva from their training camp base in Evian for their final pre-season friendly ahead of their Community Shield meeting against Man City on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side were handed a major boost to their ranks as Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Alisson all made an immediate return to the starting XI following the conclusion of their respective post-season breaks earlier in the week.
But it wasn’t the ideal start for the Brazilian stopper after a fumble and subsequent foul led Memphis Depay to convert from the spot, but his national compatriot evened the ledger soon after with a brilliant left-foot finish.
A Lyon own goal followed after Ki-Jana Hoever steered the ball into the danger area to give the Reds the lead at the interval before Harry Wilson put the finishing touches on proceedings with a thunderous finish from 25-yards out.
Here’s how supporters reacted to the result and the Reds’ improved performance on Facebook, Twitter and on the This Is Anfield forums.
There was a mix of humour & delight pertaining to the Brazilian duo’s respective outings…
Looks like Alisson enjoyed his time off….! #LFC
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) July 31, 2019
Alisson gives away a pen. Just trying to fit in.
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) July 31, 2019
Alisson is still hungover
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) July 31, 2019
Alisson's body may be out on the pitch but in his head he's still riding that horse across the plains of Brazil.
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) July 31, 2019
”Give the ball to Bobby and he’ll scoooreeeee!”
– Incognito on the forums.
Some finish that.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) July 31, 2019
Lovely finish from…. NUMBER 9
— GaGs (@GagsTandon) July 31, 2019
Keita headlined the impressive performances from Liverpool’s latest returnees…
Impressed with Naby Keita so far. Seems to have returned with real energy and tenacity to chase down the ball. Exactly what Klopp will want heading into the season.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) July 31, 2019
Liverpool's returning four outfielders have looked a class apart already; great to see Naby Keita play with such vibrancy after concerns with his post-injury mentality.
But do Milan and Roma really want Dejan Lovren?!
— Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) July 31, 2019
Great work from Keita in the lead up to Firmino's goal, pressing and winning the ball back before picking the perfect pass to Shaqiri. Good to see. Great finish from Bobby, too. #LFC
— Daniel Moxon (@dmoxon_) July 31, 2019
A wobbly start but Liverpool’s quality shone through for much of that half. Thought Keita was key to that and his fellow outfield returnees similarly injected the touch of class we, unsurprisingly, have lacked throughout the summer.
— Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) July 31, 2019
Naby bwoy! Really, really looking forward to a full season of Naby playing week in, week out… Game changer of a player.
Just stay fit please!!
— GaGs (@GagsTandon) July 31, 2019
The physics of Keita's passing ?
— Alex Mansfield (@el_mansfield) July 31, 2019
While the Reds’ young full-back options were also lauded by fans…
Ki Jana Hoever looks class.
— Paul (Maych) Machin (@ThePaulMachin) July 31, 2019
Keita bossing things . Hoever outstanding. Laroucci continues to look the part.
— Robert G (@RobGutmann) July 31, 2019
“Ki Jana looking good has similar vision and passing to Trent.”
– sportbilly1966 on the forums.
“I’d say we have no worries about a backup RB from the way Hoever’s been playing.
– CymruRed on the forums.
Ki Jana Hoever and Larouci are quality
— ??? (@AIissxn) July 31, 2019
For his age, Hoever is head and shoulders above. Unbelievable talent that kid
— MH (@MarkHughes_) July 31, 2019
Hoever and Larouci are quality for their age. Wouldn’t mind them as backups for Trent and Robertson along with Milner.
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) July 31, 2019
Overall, there were a number of positives as Liverpool returned to winning ways and focus shifted to City…
#LFC have been much better this evening than in any of their last few friendlies. No surprise with Salah, Firmino and other big players now back, but a timely performance ahead of a huge test at the weekend. Completely different to the showing against Napoli.
— Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) July 31, 2019
Elliot has a swagger. Okay, it’s only pre season but he’s a 16 year old playing for the European Champions and demanding the ball and taking long shots
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) July 31, 2019
Anywho. In all seriousness, it was nice seeing the big guns back and the team looking sharper and more cohesive as a whole. Now on to the Community Shield which is sort of a real trophy I guess?
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) July 31, 2019
Harvey Elliott looks to have all the technical ability in the world. Does not look out of place at all in this team. Confidence certainly not an issue!
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) July 31, 2019
“That must have helped to lift the mood. We have some fantastic young players and the return of the senior lads was massive. Only Sadio left now.”
– T.C.B on the forums.
Important for #LFC to end that winless run and put in a good performance with the Community Shield on the horizon. Loads of plus points, including minutes for key men, but Harvey Elliott's cameo the undoubted highlight. Looks a huge talent.
— David Lynch (@LynchStandard) July 31, 2019
A positive end to a mixed pre-season for #LFC. Better fitness and cohesion all round tonight. Plenty of good performances despite a bad start to the game.
Next stop, Wembley.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) July 31, 2019
Good game. Good result. Good combination football at times and all the lads got minutes and got through unscathed. Bring on the weekend.
— Taintless Red (@TaintlessRed) July 31, 2019
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
Fan Comments