View: 89% Harvey Elliott delivers on promise in Liverpool win v Arsenal
Liverpool continued their unbeaten run on the pre-season tour of the USA with a 2-1 victory against Arsenal in Philadelphia on Thursday (1 August).
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a quick counter-attacking move saw the Egyptian played through on goal by Harvey Elliott and finish with ease past Karl Hein.
Elliott was on hand again, assisting Fabio Carvalho with a chip over the Arsenal defence for his team-mate to hit first time and double the Reds’ advantage.
Kai Havertz halved the deficit in the final five minutes of the first half but Liverpool held on to their lead and secured their second win in the USA, with the players clearly enjoying life under Arne Slot.
Harvey Elliott proves he is ready to step up this season
The 21-year-old was the difference maker for the Reds in Philadelphia. With the return of Diogo Jota and a recognised striker, he filled the role behind the striker and showed why Carvalho has to settle for a place on the wing, with Elliott preferred as the number 10.
He assisted both goals in a remarkable performance against Arsenal and could have had more. Elliott created three big chances and laid on four key passes during his 72 minutes on the pitch, while completing 89 per cent of his 28 attempted passes overall (Sofascore).
Elliott showed his creative range first with a well-weighted through ball that split the Arsenal defence for the first goal and for the second, an incisive dink over the defence.
There is still work to be done on the physical side of the game as Elliott lost all three of his contested duels and lost possession of the ball six times.
But he is determined to make his mark for Liverpool this season in order to become more involved in the goals for the Reds, and establish himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for Slot.
Under Jurgen Klopp last season, he enjoyed the most productive season of his career with three goals and six assists in the Premier League – a tally bettered only by Alexis Mac Allister, who had one more goal contribution.
Elliott has the tools and the mindset to become a success at Anfield and could be set to play a key role for Slot this season.
Mohammed Salah looks back to his best for Liverpool
Salah was criticised heavily last season following his return from injury after the African Cup of Nations and was the scapegoat for Liverpool’s collapse as the side crashed out of the Premier League title race and all cup competitions.
The 31-year-old managed just three goals and one assist in the league when he returned to the side but was still the main contributor with 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Salah looked back to his best against Arsenal, utilising his pace to beat the backline for his goal, and was heavily involved when the Reds had possession.
He completed 75 per cent of his passes, with two of those defined as ‘key’, had 33 touches of the ball and had two shots on target (Sofascore).
His impact on the right wing was nullified by the opposition last season as he was forced to adapt his game to a more direct approach, drifting more into central areas rather than the cut-in from the wing that has become a trademark of his game.
Salah faces the most important season of his Liverpool career. He has entered the final 12 months of his contract and will be 33 years old by the end of the campaign – with no deal on the horizon, this could be the final year we see the Egyptian at Anfield.
Slot instructs his wingers to be fast and direct, which suits Salah’s playing style and could bring back his best form. But with age not on his side, he needs to replicate that to stand a chance of extending his Liverpool stay beyond this season.
Fabio Carvalho continues to perform well on the wing
Carvalho has made no secret of his desire to be played as an attacking midfielder under Slot (Liverpool.com, 27 July), but with the Dutchman preferring Elliott in that position he has had to settle for a starting spot on the wing.
He has started both pre-season matches in the USA on the left and has taken his chance with two excellent performances.
The 22-year-old produced a composed finish for the decisive goal and was a live wire throughout the match completing 50 per cent of his dribbles, winning possession back four times, drawing three fouls, and helping the defence with two clearances (Sofascore).
Liverpool fans are desperate for Carvalho to be a success. He has found ways to show his quality for the Reds and produce big moments such as the winning goal against Newcastle in 2022.
His preference to play behind the striker could become a problem for Slot. He fell out with former manager Klopp before his loan spell to RB Leipzig and looked set for a permanent exit before the managerial change.
It would be a shame for a player of his potential to leave the club over a trivial dispute, considering his performances have proved Slot right on where best to utilise him in this Liverpool side.
He is ready to step up to the Premier League after thriving in the Championship with Hull City last season with nine goals and two assists in 20 appearances, but whether that will be for Liverpool is up to him.
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