As the real campaign grows closer, the Reds look ready. Liverpool demolished Napoli in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium 5-0 in their penultimate runout before the season’s start.
In typical fashion, it did not take Liverpool long to pounce. From the start, the Reds ran riot. By the fourth minute, Sadio Mané found an onrushing James Milner who lashed a fantastic left-footed finish into the top corner. Within minutes, Milner turned provider, swinging a cross into the box for Gini Wijnaldum to head home.
There were stretches of play where Liverpool completely dominated the Serie A side with the front three of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Mané rekindling their relentless best. While the first half ended only 2-0, there was little question which club was in control.
The second half saw only Xherdan Shaqiri replace Firmino and things picked up where they left off. In the 58th minute, Liverpool scored again. This time Salah took a cross from the substitute took a touch and wrapped his left around the ball, blasting it into the top corner with flourish.
Soon, a slate of substitutes spelled the starters, including Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno who each got on the score sheet. Sturridge cleaned up an Origi effort in the 73rd minute. A few minutes later, Sturridge found Moreno with a brilliant pass. It led the fullback into the box where he smashed it into the roof of the net. The finish summed up a dominant display.
Here are four findings from the match.
