Iraola’s Liverpool Fire, Spurs Cruise, Leeds Slip Up

A Winning Start for Iraola

Andoni Iraola could hardly have asked for a more encouraging opening to his reign at Liverpool, whose 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville married attacking flair with an early note of caution. The one blot was an injury to captain Joe Gomez, who went down and was withdrawn inside eight minutes — a far from ideal moment on an otherwise upbeat night.

From there the Reds took command. Kieran Morrison rounded off a slick team move to open the scoring, before Dominik Szoboszlai produced the pick of the goals — a trademark strike from outside the box. Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas added further gloss, with Enzo le Fée and Timur Tutiero replying for the Black Cats.

The blend of fresh faces and familiar quality will please Iraola. Morrison’s involvement in the opener and Szoboszlai’s continued eye for the spectacular offered early signs that the new manager’s ideas can coexist with the squad’s existing strengths.

Richarlison Seals It in New Zealand

Roberto De Zerbi began Tottenham‘s tour of Australasia with a controlled 2-0 win over Auckland at Eden Park. Dane Scarlett seized his opportunity from the start to break the deadlock in the first half, before Richarlison doubled the lead once the more experienced heads were introduced.

Matheus Fernandes was the only one of Spurs’ summer arrivals to feature. Marquee £100m signing Sandro Tonali sat out with what was described as a minor issue, while Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi were also absent from the action.

It was a routine, professional exercise for De Zerbi’s side — minutes banked, a clean sheet kept, and a first look at how some of the new faces might fit.

Wilson Debuts as Leeds Fall Short

There was a debut but no victory for Leeds United, who slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Championship side Wrexham in Florida. Harry Wilson, a free signing from Fulham, made his first appearance for the Whites after the interval and almost snatched a late leveller, only to fire narrowly over.

Kieffer Moore put the Dragons ahead before Joel Piroe levelled — making amends for an earlier missed penalty. Bailey Cadamarteri and Sean Longstaff then traded blows before Sam Smith struck the second-half winner for Phil Parkinson’s side.

Defeat aside, the run-out handed Leeds useful minutes and a first glimpse of Wilson in their colours ahead of the campaign proper.

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