Liverpool concluded their pre-season schedule on a positive note with a 2-0 victory over Cesc Fabregas' Como at Anfield. The match marked the debut of 21-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who scored his first goal for the club shortly before halftime. Jacquet, signed from Rennes in February for £60 million, tapped in a cross from Cody Gakpo to double Liverpool’s lead after Gakpo himself had opened the scoring earlier in the half. Gakpo’s goal came following a strong run and cross by Jeremie Frimpong that set him up at the corner of the six-yard box.
Jacquet was substituted soon after his goal, with Ronald Araujo coming on. Araujo joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona and was another recent addition to the squad. Earlier in the game, Liverpool came close to scoring when Alexander Isak struck the post within the opening eight minutes. Ryan Gravenberch also hit the woodwork late in the match, but Liverpool secured the win without further goals.
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign is set to begin on Sunday against Newcastle United. Newcastle recently concluded their pre-season with a 3-2 defeat on penalties to Strasbourg in the Visit Malta Cup at St James’ Park after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Newcastle’s new manager Matthias Jaissle appeared frustrated following an error by Jacob Ramsey that allowed Strasbourg’s Yassine to score an equaliser in the second half. Ramsey, however, had contributed an assist for Newcastle’s opening goal when he set up William Osula to score in the 38th minute.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen emerged as a standout performer by saving spot-kicks from Giovanni Reyna and Mateo Del Blanco during the shootout. Nonetheless, missed penalties from Osula and Ramsey, along with a crucial miss from debutant Aladji Bamba, ultimately cost Newcastle the win.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest wrapped up their pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Brest. The match also featured a farewell gesture for Taiwo Awoniyi, who is set to join Coventry City in a £17 million transfer. Forest manager Oliver Glasner praised Awoniyi’s commitment to the club, saying he consistently gave his full effort and deserved the send-off. Forest took an early lead through New Zealand striker Chris Wood’s penalty before Luca Netz secured the win with a second goal.