Jacquet Scores on Debut as Liverpool Beat Como 2-0

Liverpool's Pre-Season Finale Ends in Victory

Liverpool rounded off their pre-season preparations with a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Como at Anfield on Sunday. Goals from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet secured the victory for Andoni Iraola's side, providing a timely lift ahead of their Premier League opener at Newcastle on August 23.

The match was a chance for Iraola to fine-tune his starting XI, and the early signs were encouraging. Gakpo opened the scoring with a clinical finish, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display. The Dutch forward then turned provider, setting up Jacquet for a simple tap-in just before the interval. It was a dream debut for the 21-year-old French defender, who joined from Rennes in February and was making his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt.

Jacquet Shines on Debut

Jacquet's performance was the standout storyline of the afternoon. The young centre-back looked composed beyond his years, slotting seamlessly into Iraola's backline. His goal, a poacher's finish from close range, capped a lively first half in which he also impressed with his distribution and reading of the game. He was withdrawn at half-time, making way for fellow new arrival Ronald Araujo, but had already done enough to catch the eye.

According to reports, Jacquet was among several players who impressed, with Jeremie Frimpong and Rio Ngumoha also catching the eye. However, there were concerns for others. Alexander Isak, the former Newcastle striker, faded after striking the post early on, while Florian Wirtz, who scored against Monaco last week, was quieter here. Both will be hoping for more minutes in the coming weeks as they build fitness ahead of the new campaign.

Second-Half Stalemate

The second half was a more subdued affair. With Iraola making changes, the tempo dropped, and Como enjoyed more possession and played some neat football. However, Liverpool's defence held firm, and the Italian side rarely threatened. Ryan Gravenberch came closest to adding a third for the hosts, striking the crossbar late on, but the two-goal cushion was never seriously endangered.

The result will be particularly pleasing for Iraola given that Liverpool had contrived to lose a two-goal lead against Monaco in their previous friendly. There was no repeat of that collapse here, and the clean sheet will be a welcome boost for a defence that has undergone significant changes this summer.

Looking Ahead to Newcastle

Attention now turns to the competitive action, with Liverpool travelling to St James' Park to face Newcastle on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League on August 23. That match will be a far sterner test, and Iraola will be hoping his key players are ready. The performances of Gakpo and Jacquet will give him plenty of encouragement, while the return of Araujo and the continued integration of Frimpong and Ngumoha add depth to the squad.

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