Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
Liverpool wrapped up their summer pre-season schedule with a goalless draw against Las Palmas at Anfield on Sunday evening. In what was a tactical and defensive encounter, the Reds were unable to find the back of the net despite several promising chances, as they prepared for the upcoming Premier League season.
A Day of Mixed Fortunes at Anfield
Earlier in the day, Liverpool had cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sevilla in front of a packed Anfield crowd. The match against Las Palmas, however, was a stark contrast, played behind closed doors and ending in a stalemate. Despite the lack of goals, the fixture provided a valuable opportunity for head coach Arne Slot to assess his squad and finalize preparations for the season ahead.
Image source: Liverpool fc
With the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town just around the corner, the Reds utilized this match to give 31 players game-time across both fixtures. The match also saw the first appearances of the summer for Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Andy Robertson, as Liverpool looked to integrate their key players ahead of the competitive campaign.
Early Exchanges and Missed Opportunities
The first half of the match saw Liverpool gradually settle into their rhythm after an even opening. The first real chance of the game fell to Cody Gakpo in the 16th minute, following a clever pass from Harvey Elliott. Gakpo controlled the ball well inside the box, but his shot was too close to Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who made a comfortable save.
Moments later, Darwin Nunez thought he had given Liverpool the lead when he prodded Ben Doak’s header over the line. However, the effort was ruled out for offside, denying the Reds an early breakthrough. It was a frustrating moment for Nunez, who was eager to make his mark in his first appearance of the pre-season.
On the defensive end, Liverpool had a scare when goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher lost the flight of a cross, allowing the ball to fall dangerously in the box. Captain Andy Robertson was quick to react, scooping the ball away from Jaime Mata, who could only head the loose ball back into Kelleher’s gloves.
The first half continued with both sides exchanging half-chances. Ben Doak had an opportunity to break the deadlock when he latched onto a cross from Robertson, but the ball was at an awkward height, and his attempt was comfortably saved by Cillessen. Nunez also tested the Las Palmas goalkeeper with a low shot after cutting inside from the left, but once again, Cillessen was equal to the task.
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A Goalless First Half
The first half ended without any goals, with both sides having had their chances but failing to capitalize. Liverpool’s build-up play showed promise, but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third to break down a well-organized Las Palmas defense. Robertson’s flicked cross onto the top of his own crossbar in an attempt to cut out a danger from Marvin Park highlighted the intensity of the match, as both teams remained determined to maintain a clean sheet.
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Second Half: More of the Same
The second half saw Liverpool come out with renewed energy as they sought to find the breakthrough. Wataru Endo, who had been solid throughout the match, came close to opening the scoring with a header from a loose ball inside the box. However, Cillessen once again proved to be a formidable barrier, making a crucial save to keep the game level.
Ben Doak, who was one of Liverpool’s more lively players on the night, created a chance for himself after receiving a pass from Elliott inside the right channel of the area. Doak’s shot, however, was deflected behind by a block from Kirian Rodriguez, denying Liverpool another opportunity to take the lead.
The Reds’ best chance of the match came on the 59th minute when Robertson, who had been a constant threat down the left flank, collected a pass from Nunez on the edge of the box. The Scottish full-back spun his marker brilliantly before unleashing a left-footed curler that crashed back off the post. It was a moment of genuine quality from Robertson, but unfortunately for Liverpool, it was as close as they would come to scoring.
Late Drama and Missed Chances
As the match entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner. Las Palmas had a golden opportunity to steal the victory when Ivan Gil found himself unmarked just six yards out with only Kelleher to beat. However, Gil mishit his shot, sending it wide and ensuring that the match would conclude without any goals.
Liverpool also had a late chance through Conor Bradley, who was set up by Doak inside the box. Bradley’s shot across goal was well-struck, but once again, Las Palmas Cillessen was on hand to deny the Reds, ensuring the fixture ended in a goalless draw.
Final Thoughts: A Valuable Workout Ahead of the Premier League
While a goalless draw may not have been the result Liverpool were hoping for in their final pre-season friendly, the match against Las Palmas provided several positives. The opportunity to give game-time to 31 players across two matches allowed Arne Slot to assess his squad depth and make final adjustments before the Premier League opener.
The performances of players like Ben Doak, Cody Gakpo, and Andy Robertson were encouraging, as they showed glimpses of their potential to influence games in the coming season. The match also highlighted the need for continued work on finishing, as Liverpool created several good chances over Las Palmas defenders but were unable to convert them into goals.
Defensively, the Reds were solid, with Kelleher making important saves and the backline, including Robertson and Endo, dealing effectively with the Las Palmas attack. The clean sheet will be a welcome sign for Slot, who will be looking to build a strong defensive foundation for the season.
Looking Ahead: Premier League Opener
With pre-season now complete, Liverpool’s focus shifts to their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town. The goalless draw against Las Palmas, while not the most exciting of matches, served its purpose in getting the squad match-fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
As Liverpool prepare for the new season, fans can take heart from the team’s overall performance in pre-season. The blend of experience and youth, coupled with the tactical acumen of Arne Slot, suggests that the Reds are well-positioned to make a strong start to the campaign.
Conclusion
The goalless draw with Las Palmas may not be remembered as a classic, but it was a necessary step in Liverpool’s preparations. As the Premier League beckons, the Reds will be eager to hit the ground running and show that they are ready to compete at the highest level once again.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com