Liverpool fell 2-1 to Sevilla during their pre-season friendly in Boston. Chris Bascombe looks at five things which stood out from the match.

Sevilla were out for blood

You know what to expect in pre-season friendlies, right? A bit of tippy-tappy football in the centre circle, the occasional ducking out of a 50-50 tackle, and players under orders to engage in no more than three full throttle sprints in a half?

Sevilla did not get the memo. Their coach Julen Lopetegui appeared to be possessed with the spirit of Diego Simeone at his most snarling, his side persistently growling at the officials and gnawing at the ankles of Liverpool’s players.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the first to be subjected to rough treatment, supporters wincing every time he was put to ground given his lengthy absence with injury. Youngster Harry Wilson was next in the firing line, struck with a flying elbow by Ever Banega. Banega had already been booked for dissent early in the first half and should have been dismissed.

Klopp expressed displeasure to Lopetegui as the teams exited at half-time. Banega’s half-time substitution should have helped defuse tensions but the worst was yet come…