In pre-season matches on Wednesday, Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Arsenal with goals from Mohamad Salah and Fabio Carvalho, as Chelsea had an easy victory and Manchester United narrowly defeated Real Betis 3-2. Kai Havertez found the back of the net for Arsenal as 69,879 spectators watched at the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles’ home stadium. During another friendly match in the United States, Chelsea easily defeated Mexico’s Club America 3-0, AC Milan secured a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid, and Manchester United narrowly won against Real Betis 3-2.
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah showcased his trademark speed and precision to open the scoring for Liverpool in the 13th minute. The goal came after a brilliant move initiated by Harvey Elliott, who delivered a perfectly timed, defense-splitting pass. Salah expertly outpaced the Arsenal defenders, demonstrating his agility and awareness, before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. His quick footwork and anticipation were crucial in breaking through Arsenal’s defense, setting the tone for the match. Salah’s early goal not only gave Liverpool an advantage but also highlighted the effective coordination and teamwork between him and his younger teammate, Elliott.
The forward ignored Arsenal defender Gabriel and scored with a precise left-footed shot past Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein. Carvalho scored again for Liverpool in the 34th minute, with Elliott assisting once more.
The 21-year-old winger from Portugal received a well-executed pass from Elliott in the box, then shot a precise right-foot volley between Hein’s legs. Arsenal pulled one back in the 40th minute as Havertz scored from close range past Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after being set up by Martin Odegaard in the six-yard box.
Liverpool’s new Dutch manager Arne Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp, sealed the victory with a scoreless second half. Arsenal did not include their newly acquired 22-year-old Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori in their lineup. In San Diego, Real Betis took an early lead after Iker Losada scored in the 15th minute.
Manchester United’s advantage was short-lived, as just three minutes after Liverpool took the lead, Romain Perraud committed a crucial mistake. The Arsenal defender fouled United’s Amad Diallo inside the penalty area, giving the Red Devils a golden opportunity to equalize. Stepping up to take the penalty, Marcus Rashford showed composure and precision. He confidently blasted the ball into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Rashford’s swift response not only leveled the score but also shifted the momentum back in Manchester United’s favor, demonstrating his ability to seize critical moments and deliver under pressure.
Diallo scored first for the Old Trafford team in the 24th minute, followed by Casemiro’s left-footed goal from Rashford’s pass in the 31st minute, giving them a 3-1 lead at half-time. Betis got one goal back with Diego Llorente’s header in the 61st minute.
In Atlanta, the French forward Christopher Nkunku scored a penalty in the third minute to give them an advantage over their Mexican club rivals.
Marc Guiu, an 18-year-old from Spain, scored the second goal with a header in the 21st minute.
Noni Madueke, the winger for Arsenal, scored their second penalty of the game in the 79th minute, helping them secure a 3-0 win. His composed and accurate finish confirmed Arsenal’s control of the game, completing a strong performance and securing their victory.
In Chicago, Nigerian player Samuel Chukwueze scored the winning goal in the 55th minute to help AC Milan defeat Real Madrid 1-0. Chukwueze scored following a perfectly delivered pass from his teammate, demonstrating his skill in scoring when under pressure. The game, characterized by solid defensive plays from both sides, was ultimately determined by Chukwueze’s precise goal.