Preseason Friendlies 2024/25: Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United Claim Victory

As the 2024/25 season approaches, the excitement around Premier League preseason friendlies is palpable. On Wednesday evening, football enthusiasts were treated to an array of thrilling matches featuring some of the league’s most prestigious clubs. Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all took to the field, showcasing their preparations and hinting at what fans can expect in the upcoming season.

Here’s a detailed look at how each team performed in preseason friendlies.

Chelsea 3-0 Club América: Maresca Era Begins with a Bang

Chelsea vs Club America: secured their first preseason victory under new manager Enzo Maresca with a convincing 3-0 win against Club América. This match marked a significant improvement for Chelsea, who had faced a setback against Celtic the previous week.

Key Highlights:

Christopher Nkunku’s Penalty: Chelsea opened the scoring with a penalty from Christopher Nkunku. The forward, who has been a pivotal figure for Chelsea, calmly converted the spot-kick, setting the tone for the match. Nkunku’s confidence and composure from the penalty spot are signs of his growing influence in the team.
Marc Guiu’s Deflected Goal: The first half saw another goal from newcomer Marc Guiu, whose deflected shot doubled Chelsea’s lead. Guiu’s performance is a promising sign for Chelsea fans, showcasing the potential of their future attacking line. His ability to find the back of the net through deflections shows his opportunistic nature in front of goal.

Filip Jörgensen’s Debut: The second half featured the debut of Filip Jörgensen, recently signed from Villarreal. Jörgensen’s presence in goal was reassuring, adding depth to Chelsea’s defensive lineup. His confident saves and command of the penalty area were highlights of his debut.
Noni Madueke’s Penalty: A late penalty by Noni Madueke sealed the victory for Chelsea, capping off a dominant performance against the Mexican giants. Madueke’s cool execution from the spot demonstrated his reliability under pressure.

Club América made significant changes at halftime, substituting all 11 players as they continue to prepare for their Liga MX Apertura campaign. However, Chelsea’s cohesive play and strategic execution ensured they maintained control throughout the match. The blend of youth and experience in Chelsea’s lineup appears promising for the season ahead.

Manchester United 3-2 Real Betis: A Resilient Display

Manchester United vs Real Beltis: Despite facing injury concerns, Manchester United managed to edge out a 3-2 victory against Real Betis. The match showcased United’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

Key Highlights:

Early Setback and Quick Response: Real Betis took an early lead with a goal from Iker Losada. However, Manchester United quickly responded with a penalty converted by Marcus Rashford, who continues to be a reliable scorer for the team. Rashford’s leadership on the pitch was evident as he rallied his teammates after the early setback.
Amad Diallo’s Goal: Amad Diallo, who earned the penalty for Rashford’s goal, scored soon after to put United ahead. His performance was a highlight, demonstrating his potential impact for the upcoming season. Diallo’s speed and skill were on full display, making him a player to watch.

Casemiro’s Contribution: The momentum continued as Casemiro added a third goal, solidifying United’s dominance in the first half. Casemiro’s ability to contribute offensively from midfield is a valuable asset for United.
Nervy Second Half: The second half saw Real Betis’ Diego Llorente reduce the deficit, making it a tense affair. Despite the pressure, United held firm, showcasing their defensive resilience. The defensive unit, led by captain Harry Maguire, demonstrated strong coordination and determination to secure the win.

The match wasn’t without its concerns, as there were potential injury worries for Antony. However, United’s ability to secure the win despite these challenges speaks volumes about their depth and preparedness. Manager Erik ten Hag will need to manage the squad’s fitness carefully as they continue their preseason schedule. Next, Manchester United will face Liverpool in a highly anticipated friendly, while Real Betis will take on Al-Ittihad, a Saudi Arabian team. The upcoming clash with Liverpool will be a significant test of United’s readiness for the new season.

Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal: A Star-Studded Showdown

Liverpool vs Arsenal: In Philadelphia, Liverpool and Arsenal treated fans to a high-energy match, with Liverpool emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. The game was marked by intense competition and spectacular goals.

Key Highlights:

Mo Salah’s Opener: Liverpool’s Mo Salah opened the scoring with a superb strike, showcasing his speed and precision. His goal was the result of a well-timed run that outpaced Arsenal’s defense. Salah’s clinical finish highlighted his importance to Liverpool’s attacking strategy.
Fabio Carvalho’s Goal: Shortly after, Fabio Carvalho extended Liverpool’s lead with a well-executed one-two play, igniting the crowd’s excitement. Carvalho’s goal demonstrated his growing chemistry with the team’s attacking players and his knack for finding scoring opportunities.

Kai Havertz’s Response: Arsenal managed to pull one back before halftime through Kai Havertz. The German international finished a deftly deflected pass, keeping Arsenal in the contest. Havertz’s positioning and quick reaction showcased his goal-scoring instincts.

The second half saw both teams create several opportunities, but neither could add to the scoreline. Liverpool’s defense held strong, securing a morale-boosting victory as they prepare for the new season. The performance of Liverpool’s backline, including standout player Virgil van Dijk, was crucial in maintaining their lead.

Arsenal’s Efforts: Building Towards a Competitive Season

Despite the loss, Arsenal’s performance was commendable. Their ability to break through Liverpool’s defense and create chances highlighted their potential. Manager Mikel Arteta will likely focus on refining their strategies as they continue their preseason preparations. The match provided valuable insights into areas where Arsenal can improve, particularly in defensive solidity and finishing in the final third.

Summary

The preseason friendlies offered fans a glimpse into the upcoming Premier League season, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all showcasing their strengths and areas for improvement. Chelsea’s dominant performance under Enzo Maresca, Manchester United’s resilience, and Liverpool’s attacking prowess set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Arsenal, despite their loss, showed promise and will be a team to watch as they continue to build their form.