In a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly at the AXA Training Centre, Liverpool were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Preston North End. This match saw a total of 25 Liverpool players getting valuable game time as they prepared for the upcoming season. Despite the loss, Liverpool showcased several promising chances, especially in the first half, highlighting a competitive performance.
The game started energetically, with Liverpool quickly creating opportunities. Just three minutes in, Ben Doak was released into space via the left channel but his strike was blocked by Preston’s Brad Potts. Mohamed Salah also came close with a volley from inside the area after a partial clearance by Preston, but his effort narrowly missed the crossbar.
Liverpool maintained control and possession for most of the first half. Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley saw their efforts deflected wide, and Doak flicked a header off target when left unmarked at the far post. Salah and Elliott combined for a promising chance at the 26-minute mark, but Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman reacted swiftly to deny them.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Preston capitalized on a rare opportunity just before the half-hour mark. Robbie Brady intercepted a pass as Liverpool attempted to play out from the back and launched a long-range shot that beat Liverpool’s Vitezslav Jaros, going in off the upright to give Preston the lead.
The second half saw Liverpool manager Arne Slot make significant changes, with 10 new players coming onto the pitch. The opening 15 minutes of the second half were relatively quiet, with neither team managing any clear goal-scoring opportunities. Luke Chambers and Lewis Koumas had attempts from distance, but both shots were off target.
As the match drew to a close, Liverpool pushed for an equalizer but were thwarted by a resilient Preston defense. Trey Nyoni and Kaide Gordon came close, with Nyoni’s shot blocked and Gordon’s low volley caught by Woodman. Ultimately, Preston held on to their slim lead, securing a victory in this pre-season fixture. Liverpool will now shift their focus to their upcoming three-match tour in the USA, which begins on Tuesday.
