Luke Chambers gave Liverpool the lead inside seven minutes on Sunday, converting from close range after Dominik Szoboszlai's outswinging corner was flicked on by Milos Kerkez. Florian Wirtz doubled the advantage shortly before the interval, sweeping home from inside the box after Jeremie Frimpong cut the ball back from Trey Nyoni's cross-field pass.
Leeds had opportunities of their own, but Liverpool controlled most of the first half. Both teams made four substitutions at the break, and it was Leeds who emerged stronger, scoring four goals in 25 second-half minutes in Chicago. Brendan Aaronson pulled one back on the hour mark, Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelled in the 71st minute, Sean Longstaff made it 3-2 two minutes later, and Calvert-Lewin added a fourth late on.
The 4-2 victory crowned Leeds United as winners of the 2026 Premier League Summer Series in the United States. Here are six talking points from the game.
Fast Liverpool start
Liverpool, fresh from wins over Sunderland and Championship side Wrexham, started on the front foot for the third straight pre-season game. Chambers, starting in central defence after Joe Gomez suffered a new muscle injury in the 4-2 win over Sunderland last week, was the man to break the deadlock. He met Szoboszlai's corner, which was flicked on by Kerkez, and slammed home from eight yards. It was a smart finish from the 22-year-old, who kept his head over the ball before lashing beyond Alex Cairns.
Leeds injury blow
Daniel Farke's main wish going into the fixture would have been to avoid fresh injuries with three weeks until the start of the Premier League season, but Gabriel Gudmundsson hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring problem. The Sweden international went down in the opening stages, carried on, but was eventually substituted in the 34th minute and replaced by Sebastiaan Bornauw.
Wirtz impresses
There is pressure on Wirtz to produce in 2026/27 after a mixed first season and Liverpool's lack of attacking transfer business. The German showed in his first appearance back after the World Cup that he can step up, scoring the Reds' second. With just seven goals in 49 matches in his debut season, Wirtz will want to improve on that total this term.
Kerkez error punished
Liverpool were punished for a slack piece of play from Kerkez, who gave the ball away inside his own half. Ampadu collected possession, drove at the defence and played in Aaronson, who slotted low past Giorgi Mamardashvili. Kerkez, who endured a difficult first season following his move from Bournemouth, must eradicate such mistakes to succeed at Anfield.
Impressive Leeds comeback
Leeds were much improved after the introductions of Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Longstaff and Harry Wilson at half-time. Aaronson's goal started the fightback, and Calvert-Lewin levelled from close range after Joe Rodon flicked on a long throw from Ampadu. Longstaff then swivelled inside the area to drill in the third following neat play from Aaronson. The fourth came from another long throw, with Bornauw flicking on for Calvert-Lewin to tap in from four yards. It was an excellent character display from Farke's side after they had fallen 2-0 down.
Liverpool transfer priorities clear
Liverpool need at least two, and possibly three, ready-made first-team starters before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United. The Reds have been among the quietest clubs in the top flight when it comes to signings this summer, leaving Iraola's squad threadbare after the departures of Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have come in, but neither has made an appearance so far.
