Liverpool suffered a sobering 4-2 defeat to Leeds United after throwing away a two-goal lead in their final pre-season match of their United States tour at Soldier Field on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola’s side appeared firmly in control at half-time after Luke Chambers opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Florian Wirtz doubled Liverpool’s advantage five minutes before the break.
However, Leeds United produced an impressive second-half turnaround to claim victory.
Leeds United spark into life
Brenden Aaronson sparked the comeback with a goal in the 60th minute before Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelled matters 11 minutes later.
Sean Longstaff then completed the turnaround just two minutes after, with Calvert-Lewin adding his second goal of the afternoon in the 85th minute to seal a memorable 4-2 win.
The result leaves Liverpool with plenty to reflect on before the new Premier League campaign, particularly after surrendering such a commanding position.
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Szoboszlai: ‘We have to take more care’
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai admitted the Reds must improve defensively from dead-ball situations after the match.
“Now we know we conceded two goals from set-pieces, we have to take care of them more,” Szoboszlai told LFCTV, as quoted on Sky Sports.
“Last season was one where everything started to be really important on corners, long throws. We have to take care of it, or next season will be the same as last season.”
Learning from mistakes
The Hungary international acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable but stressed the importance of learning from them before the competitive campaign begins.
“Set-pieces, everyone has to do their job or we won’t concede,” Szoboszlai continued. “We’re also human beings, we are allowed to make mistakes.
“We have to react, that’s important. We have two games more before the season starts.”
Premier League season looms
While pre-season results are rarely definitive, Liverpool’s inability to protect a two-goal advantage and their vulnerability from set-pieces will provide Iraola and his coaching staff with key areas to address ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Leeds United, meanwhile, will take significant confidence from a spirited comeback that showcased their resilience and attacking quality against one of the Premier League’s leading sides.
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