LIVERPOOL sent a warning to their Premier League title rivals by smashing SEVEN goals past Blackpool on Saturday.
And Jurgen Klopp’s champions even let the League One side have a two-goal headstart.
Harvey Elliott enjoyed a strong runout for Liverpool on SaturdayCredit: EPA
Blackpool, managed by former Liverpool youth coach Neil Critchley, took a surprise two-goal lead in the Anfield friendly.
CJ Hamilton took advantage of a mistake by 17-year-old French defender Billy Koumetio to slam home the opener, before Jerry Yates’ penalty.
But the Reds’ siege of their visitors goal quickly took hold and Joel Matip fired home a header before the break.
Sadio Mane scrambled a leveller before Roberto Firmino’s smart close-range finish put Liverpool ahead on 54 minutes.
And Klopp’s men never looked back as they prepared for next weekend’s league opener versus Leeds by putting the Seasiders to the sword.
Divock Origi’s slick through ball was finished by Harvey Elliott on an impressive afternoon for the teenager.
Fellow youngster Curtis Jones continued his claim for a regular spot by providing the fifth and sixth, scored by Takumi Minamino and Origi, respectively.
In the 88th minute, Sepp van den Berg made it 7-2 – becoming Liverpool’s seventh scorer of the day.
Although their 2019/20 title triumph came off the back of some very indifferent pre-season form, two wins and a draw send the Reds into their defence in good mettle.
Fans will also be encouraged by the displays of Elliott, Jones and Minamino after another summer of minimal transfer activity at Anfield.
Only left-back Kostas Tsimikas has arrived with just over a month of the window left, ahead of a possible deal for Thiago Alcantara.
Arsenal celebrate and lift the Community Shield after beating Liverpool at Wembley
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
