Jérémy Jacquet Nets on Debut as Liverpool Defeat Como 2-0 at Anfield

New signing Jérémy Jacquet scored just before halftime to help Andoni Iraola's Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory over Como.

Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield on Sunday, with Jérémy Jacquet finding the net in the 45th minute of his first appearance. The scoring commenced in the 23rd minute when Cody Gakpo converted from close range, capitalizing on a direct run and delivery from Jeremie Frimpong. Jacquet, the 21-year-old French center-back who recently completed a £60 million ($81 million) transfer from Rennes, doubled the advantage by tapping home a cross provided by Gakpo just before the referee blew for the interval.

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Andoni Iraola integrated Jacquet into the starting lineup after the defender recovered from a minor knee issue that sidelined him during earlier summer fixtures. The former Ligue 1 standout featured for exactly 45 minutes, partnering with Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defense. During his time on the pitch, the new acquisition recorded multiple interceptions and demonstrated composure on the ball before his clinical finish at the Kop end.

The Merseyside club dominated the opening period, nearly extending their lead through Alexander Isak, whose curling strike rebounded off the woodwork. Dominik Szoboszlai also threatened the Italian visitors, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that whistled inches wide of the upright. These offensive sequences highlighted a fluid tactical approach from Iraola as the squad prepares for the upcoming domestic campaign.

Como arrived at Anfield following a 1-1 stalemate against Arsenal and tested the hosts' defensive resolve on several occasions. Alisson Becker was called into action early, producing a sharp reflex save at his near post to deny a goal-bound effort from Jesús Rodriguez. The Brazilian goalkeeper’s intervention ensured the Premier League side maintained their clean sheet during a period of sustained pressure from the Serie A outfit.

Following the halftime break, Virgil van Dijk showcased his defensive prowess by executing a sliding challenge inside the penalty area to thwart Tasos Douvikas. The Greek forward appeared set to score before the Liverpool captain intervened to preserve the two-goal cushion. The second half saw a significant change in personnel as Ronald Araújo made his first appearance for the club since arriving on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

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Araújo replaced Jacquet at the start of the second period, logging his first minutes in front of the home crowd. The Uruguayan international provided a physical presence in the backline, helping the team navigate the final stages of the contest without conceding. This match served as the final dress rehearsal before the Reds travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle United in their Premier League opener next Sunday.

Beyond the action on the grass, Liverpool officials are actively engaged in recruitment efforts to strengthen the forward line. Reports indicate that negotiations are currently underway with Paris Saint-Germain concerning the potential transfer of winger Bradley Barcola. The recruitment team is also monitoring PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye as a secondary option to bolster the squad's attacking depth.

Speculation regarding these moves intensified when both Barcola and Mbaye were omitted from the Paris Saint-Germain matchday squad for their Trophée des Champions clash against Lens on Sunday evening. The absence of these targets from competitive action suggests that discussions may be reaching a critical stage. Liverpool’s pursuit of a wide attacker remains a priority as the transfer window deadline approaches.

The successful integration of Jacquet and Araújo provides a boost to Iraola’s defensive options following a busy summer of spending. With the £60m Frenchman already off the mark and the Barcelona loanee gaining match fitness, the squad appears well-prepared for the rigors of the English top flight. The victory over Como concludes a preseason schedule that has focused on tactical flexibility and the assimilation of high-profile new arrivals into the starting eleven.