Liverpool F.C. began their 2026/27 pre-season campaign with a 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville, marking a successful debut for new manager Andoni Iraola. The Reds, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season with 60 points (17W-9D-12L), showed flashes of promise in their first outing under the Basque tactician.
What happened in the match?
Liverpool took an early lead through Kieran Morrison after a fluid team move, but Sunderland equalized through a long-range strike from Le Fee. The Black Cats went ahead in the second half before Dominik Szoboszlai levelled with a thunderous volley. Substitutes Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas then sealed the victory for the Reds.
Injury concern for Liverpool
The game was marred by an early injury to stand-in captain Joe Gomez, who limped off in the eighth minute. With Liverpool already thin at centre-back, this could be a significant setback ahead of the new season.
Iraola's first impressions
After the match, Iraola acknowledged the mixed performance but was pleased with the result. "It was two different halves," he said. "We have a lot to correct, but it's a good starting point." The Reds will now prepare for their next pre-season fixture as they look to build momentum before the Premier League kicks off.
Liverpool ended last season with 63 goals scored and 53 conceded, finishing 25 points behind champions Arsenal. Their recent form (DLDLW) suggests they have work to do to challenge for the title, but Iraola's first win is a positive sign.
