Reds looking sharp
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino scoring a goal in the pre-season friendly against Torino at Anfield on Tuesday. Manager Juergen Klopp named a strong team in the 3-1 win which included Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and new signing Fabinho as they prepare to face West Ham in their Premier League opener on Sunday. — Reuters
LONDON: Roberto Firmino starred as Liverpool rounded off an impressive pre-season with a comfortable 3-1 win over Italians Torino at Anfield.
Despite opening their Premier League campaign against West Ham on Sunday, Juergen Klopp named a strong team on Tuesday and was rewarded by seeing key players get valuable game time.
Brazil forward Firmino played the first half, putting Liverpool ahead before setting up midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for the second goal.
Italy international Andrea Belotti pulled one back for the visitors with a powerful header, but after Klopp made a raft of substitutions, Daniel Sturridge nodded in a Xherdan Shaqiri cross to score for the third friendly in a row.
New goalkeeper Alisson started for Liverpool, before Loris Karius was given a rousing reception when he replaced the Brazilian in the second half, just over two months after suffering concussion and making two dreadful errors in the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.
Elsewhere, Chelsea played out a 0-0 draw with Lyon at Stamford Bridge, before veteran goalkeeper Rob Green saved a spot-kick as they won 5-4 on penalties.
Eden Hazard, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, returned for Maurizio Sarri’s men after missing the weekend Community Shield loss to Manchester City and scored the decisive penalty. — AFP