Liverpool 4-2 Sunderland: Iraola Era Starts With Win and Gomez Injury Blow
Liverpool's first match under Andoni Iraola ended in a 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland in Nashville, but the victory was overshadowed by an early injury to Joe Gomez that underscored the club's defensive vulnerability. Goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas delivered an entertaining attacking display for 24,897 fans inside the stadium, yet the defensive concerns that plagued Liverpool last season remain unresolved.
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What happened in the first Iraola match
The Spanish coach named a mixed starting eleven blending senior professionals with academy talent. Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal, with Gomez captaining the side from centre-back. The English defender lasted just eight minutes before going down with what appeared to be a muscular injury and had to be withdrawn.
That forced Iraola into an early reshuffle. Two 18-year-old centre-backs, Mor Talla N'diaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, were thrust into action and asked to hold the line against a Sunderland side that had already shown intent. Both teenagers performed admirably given the circumstances, showing composure on the ball and an willingness to engage physically. But neither is ready to anchor a Premier League title-chasing defence.
Sunderland took the lead through Enzo Le Fee, who was given far too much space to fire past Mamardashvili. The Black Cats exposed the kind of defensive disorganisation that comes with a new tactical system and a patched-up backline. Wilson Isidor caused problems with his movement, and Sunderland looked dangerous whenever they got in behind Liverpool's high defensive line.
Morrison equalised before half-time. The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international cut in from the right and curled a left-footed finish into the far corner after a surging run from Harvey Elliott, who was making his first appearance back at the club following his loan spell at Aston Villa. Morrison was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch, showing sharp movement and confidence in one-on-one situations.
Szoboszlai steals the second half show
The Hungarian midfielder came on at half-time and picked up exactly where he left off last season. Wearing the captain's armband, Szoboszlai scored a stunning goal from outside the box to level the match at 2-2 after Timur Tutierov had put Sunderland ahead again. The strike was trademark Szoboszlai: power, precision, and perfect technique from 25 yards.
Beyond the goal, Szoboszlai dictated the tempo of Liverpool's attacking play. His range of passing, ability to switch play, and intelligence in finding pockets of space between the lines gave Liverpool a dimension they had lacked in the first half. The 25-year-old has been Liverpool's most important midfielder over the past two seasons, and his performance in Nashville confirmed he will be central to everything Iraola wants to do.
Federico Chiesa made it 3-2 with a brilliant finish after good work from Calvin Ramsay down the right. The Italian international, who has struggled with injuries since joining Liverpool, showed sharp instincts in the box. His goal was met with a roar from the Nashville crowd, who were overwhelmingly Liverpool supporters. Chiesa's fitness and availability will be a major factor in Liverpool's season, particularly with Mohamed Salah no longer at the club.
Lewis Koumas wrapped up the scoring with a well-taken goal, capping an impressive individual display. The young forward has been touted as a future first-team regular and his performance against Sunderland suggested he is ready to push for regular minutes. Josh Abe, who only turned 16 last week, also came on for his Liverpool debut and showed glimpses of why he is so highly rated.
The Joe Gomez injury and Liverpool's centre-back crisis
Gomez going down in the eighth minute was the worst possible scenario for Iraola. The English defender had been identified as a key figure for the new campaign, especially with Virgil van Dijk given extended leave following the Netherlands' World Cup campaign. Iraola confirmed after the match that the club was already "very thin" defensively.
The situation is compounded by the absence of new signing Jeremy Jacquet, a centre-back who arrived this summer but has not played competitive football for months. Iraola explained that the club is taking a cautious approach with Jacquet, who will likely feature in the final game of the US tour. Giovanni Leoni, 19, is also unavailable as he continues individual training to recover from a severe ACL tear.
This means that Liverpool currently have zero fit senior centre-backs available for pre-season. N'diaye and Ndukwe showed promise but are not ready for Premier League football. Iraola's pressing and high-line system demands experienced, athletic defenders who can read danger and recover quickly. The squad as currently constructed does not have the defensive depth to sustain a title challenge.
Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes was in Nashville for the match. Seeing Gomez trudge off must have reinforced the urgency of the defensive situation. Multiple reports suggest Liverpool are pursuing at least one senior centre-back signing before the transfer window closes, with clubs aware that the Reds are desperate and potentially inflating their asking prices accordingly.
Iraola's tactical approach takes shape
The former Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano coach was visibly active on the touchline, constantly instructing his players on positioning and pressing triggers. The early signs of his tactical philosophy were evident: aggressive pressing high up the pitch, quick transitions, and full-backs encouraged to push forward and provide width.
Liverpool pressed in phases, particularly in the first half when the pressing intensity was high. Sunderland struggled to play through the pressure at times but also found success going long, bypassing the press and exposing the space behind Liverpool's advanced full-backs. Both Sunderland goals came from situations where Liverpool's defensive structure was disorganised.
In possession, Iraola's Liverpool looked to build from the back, with the goalkeeper involved in the first phase of build-up. The midfield trio rotated fluidly, with one midfielder dropping to form a back three in possession while the full-backs pushed high. This is the same attacking shape Iraola used at Bournemouth, adapted to Liverpool's personnel.
The transition from Jurgen Klopp's heavy metal football to Iraola's more controlled pressing game will take time. There were moments of brilliance going forward, but the defensive vulnerabilities suggest the team needs more time on the training ground and probably two or three signings before the Premier League season kicks off on August 23.
Kieran Morrison makes his case
The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international was the standout performer in the first half. Operating on the right wing, Morrison showed quality in possession and intelligence off it. His goal, a composed left-footed finish after cutting inside, demonstrated the kind of end product that Liverpool need following Salah's departure.
Morrison's confidence was striking for a player of his age. He asked constant questions of the Sunderland left-back, drifting inside to find space and linking well with Elliott and the overlapping full-back. His body orientation when receiving the ball allowed him to play forward quickly, a trait that Iraola values highly in wide players.
Whether Morrison goes out on loan or stays with the first team this season is one of the key decisions Iraola and Hughes must make. On this evidence, the teenager is closer to the first team than many assumed. His combination of technical quality, tactical intelligence, and physical readiness suggests he can contribute off the bench at minimum, with the potential to push for a starting spot as the season progresses.
What Liverpool need before the transfer window closes
The performance against Sunderland made Liverpool's transfer needs crystal clear. The priorities are obvious and urgent.
First, at least one senior centre-back is essential. Gomez's injury highlighted the lack of depth in this position, and relying on teenagers to cover for a 38-game Premier League season is not viable. Liverpool have been linked with several defenders across Europe, but the club must move quickly to avoid overpaying.
Second, a quality winger is needed. Morrison showed promise, but Liverpool lost one of the greatest players in Premier League history in Salah. Replacing his output (23 goals and 14 assists in the league last season) with a single signing is impossible. But adding an experienced wide player who can contribute immediately would give Iraola more options and reduce the pressure on the club's young attackers.
Third, depth in midfield is a concern. Szoboszlai was excellent, but Liverpool cannot rely on him for every match. The midfield looked lightweight when he was not on the pitch in the first half. Adding at least one more midfielder with physical presence and passing range would complete the squad rebuild.
What this means for Liverpool's 2026-27 season
Liverpool's pre-season is still in its early stages, and Iraola will have more opportunities to assess his squad before the Premier League begins. The US tour continues with matches that will provide further tactical insights and opportunities for fringe players to impress.
The 4-2 win over Sunderland was entertaining and produced several positive individual performances. Morrison, Szoboszlai, Chiesa, Koumas and Abe all gave Iraola something to think about. The attacking output is encouraging, with four well-taken goals and plenty of creativity on display.
But the defensive situation cannot be ignored. Liverpool cannot go into the Premier League season with 18-year-old centre-backs as their only options. The transfer market has weeks remaining, and the club's hierarchy must back Iraola with the signings he needs.
Arsenal are the defending champions and look stronger after adding Christos Tzolis. Chelsea continue to invest heavily under Xabi Alonso. Manchester City are rebuilding under Enzo Maresca but remain dangerous. Manchester United showed promise under Michael Carrick with a 5-0 win over Rosenborg. The competition at the top of the Premier League is fiercer than ever.
For Liverpool to compete, they need to resolve their defensive situation quickly. The Iraola era has begun with a win and a warning. The attacking football will come. The pressing system will become more refined with time. But without defensive reinforcements, the 2026-27 season could be a frustrating one for Liverpool supporters.
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