Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool: Liverpool concede first goal of pre-season

Liverpool lost out 1-0 in front a 53,000+ crowd at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

An early Gary Cahill header in the 10th minute separated the sides.  The reds had a Roberto Firmino goal ruled out offside and there were a host of yellow cards, and even a red card for Cesc Fabregas in the final minutes.

The reds started the game with Firmino as the main striker - Sturridge, Benteke and Origi all continuing their progress in training.

Ragnar Klavan was handed his first start, partnering Dejan Lovren in central defence.  Loris Karius was named in goal, with Alex Manninger on the bench.

STARTING TEAM

Karius, Randall, Lovren, Klavan, Moreno, Stewart, Ejaria, Grujic, Mane, Coutinho, Firmino.

Moreno picked up a yellow card in the 6th minute and four minutes later the reds were haunted once again by their old enemy - the set-piece.  Gary Cahill rising highest to head in Cesc Fabregas' corner.

Just after the half-hour mark Mane and Ejaria combined beautifully with Firmino who put the ball in the back of the net.  Unfortunately it was offside - shame!

Just one change at half time with Adam Lallana coming on for Marko Grujic.

There was little in the way of clear cut chances in a sterile second half and both sides made a raft of changes around the 65th minute.

The reds welcoming the likes of Milner and Henderson back into action after their summer break.

With 15 minutes left Cesc Fabregas was sent off for a very unfriendly tackle on Ragnar Klavan.  The Spaniard lunging two footed into Klavan's left ankle meant he was given a straight red by the very serious referee.  The Liverpool defender, fortunately, was unhurt.

20 players got a run out for Liverpool during this pre-season friendly and the reds face Milan in the next game.

More to follow

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