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Liverpool lead Como 2-0 at half-time at Anfield, and this is already a much more encouraging performance from Andoni Iraola’s side. After being held to a goalless draw in the behind-closed-doors fixture earlier today, Liverpool have produced exactly the kind of first-half display supporters wanted to see. Intensity, attacking movement and control. And there have been two different goalscorers to give the Reds a deserved advantage. Gakpo gets Liverpool off the mark Cody Gakpo opened the scoring, giving Liverpool the breakthrough their positive start deserved. The goal was another reminder of the importance Gakpo could have this season, particularly with Liverpool looking to have plenty of variety in their attack. He has the physicality, movement and finishing ability to cause problems, and getting on the scoresheet will only boost his confidence heading into the new campaign. Jacquet caps brilliant debut with a goal If there was one player who couldn’t have asked for a better first half, it was Jérémy Jacquet. The Liverpool debutant has looked extremely impressive alongside Virgil van Dijk, showing composure, strength and intelligence throughout the opening 45 minutes. And then, right on the stroke of half-time, he produced the perfect way to cap his performance. Jacquet scored Liverpool’s second. A goal on his debut, a clean sheet so far and an extremely assured performance alongside Van Dijk. It really couldn’t have gone much better for the Frenchman. Wirtz and Isak causing problems One of the biggest talking points before kick-off was seeing Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak together. The pair have shown glimpses of what they could become, with Wirtz looking to find space between the lines while Isak constantly threatens to run in behind. Their movement is giving Como’s defence plenty to think about. Even when they’re not directly involved in the final action, their positioning is creating space for Liverpool’s other attackers. Liverpool’s press looks much better This is perhaps the biggest difference compared with the first game. Liverpool are pressing higher up the pitch and trying to win the ball back quickly. The intensity is much closer to what we expect from an Iraola team. When Liverpool lose possession, there is an immediate attempt to regain it rather than dropping deep and allowing Como to dictate the game. This is exactly what supporters wanted to see. The midfield is controlling the game Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have also been important. The pair have provided energy and helped Liverpool control possession, while also giving the defence protection. That’s particularly encouraging after the concerns raised during previous pre-season games about Liverpool becoming too open through the middle. There is still plenty of work to do, but this looks much more balanced. A much stronger defensive performance Another major positive has been Liverpool’s defensive organisation. Virgil van Dijk and Jacquet have looked composed at centre-back, while Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have provided attacking width without leaving Liverpool completely exposed. After conceding too many goals in previous pre-season matches, keeping Como at arm’s length is exactly what Iraola will have wanted. And, of course, Alisson provides an enormous amount of security behind them. Ngumoha continues to excite Rio Ngumoha has also looked lively. The teenager isn’t afraid to receive the ball and attack defenders, and his willingness to make things happen is exactly what makes him such an exciting prospect. At just 17, there is obviously still plenty of development ahead of him. But performances like this will only increase the excitement around his potential role this season. Half-time verdict Liverpool 2-0 Como. Gakpo got the Reds on their way. Jacquet then capped a terrific debut first half with his first Liverpool goal. And, more importantly, Liverpool look much more like the team Iraola wants them to become. High press? ✔️ Exciting attacking movement? ✔️ Wirtz and Isak causing problems? ✔️ Midfield control? ✔️ Defensive solidity? ✔️ It’s been a hugely encouraging first half at Anfield. Now Liverpool need to maintain that intensity in the second half and finish the job. Jamie (The Kopite View)