Liverpool let a two-goal lead slip for the second match in a row as AS Monaco came from behind to claim a 3-2 win at Anfield, giving Andoni Iraola plenty to think about after his first home outing as head coach.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz had put Liverpool in a commanding position, and both turned in displays that indicated the attacking framework is starting to come together. However, the defensive fragility seen against Leeds surfaced again, with Monaco capitalising on mistakes before completing an impressive comeback.

For a pre-season friendly, the scoreline only tells part of the story.

Isak was superb in his 45 minutes on the pitch. His movement repeatedly troubled the AS Monaco back line, and his finish for Liverpool’s opening goal was excellent, as he calmly converted after a clever assist from Ryan Gravenberch.

Wirtz was just as influential. Allowed to play closer to Isak, the German found pockets of space between Monaco’s midfield and defence and looked far more threatening. His goal, which came after another bright attacking move, made it two in two pre-season matches.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe was arguably Liverpool’s standout individual performer. Starting alongside Virgil van Dijk at Anfield was another major test for the youngster, and he came through it with impressive composure.

Liverpool looked comfortable until Van Dijk needlessly brought down Aleksandr Golovin inside the penalty area shortly before half-time.

Golovin scored from the spot and, all of a sudden, Monaco had a way back into the contest.

The second half was more worrying. Liverpool lost their grip in midfield, the defensive shape became stretched and Monaco started creating openings with increasing frequency.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will feel he should have done better when Mika Biereth scored, while Milos Kerkez was at fault at the corner that ultimately led to Monaco’s winning goal.

Iraola will know that substitutions naturally interrupt rhythm in pre-season, but conceding seven goals across games against Leeds and AS Monaco is still an issue Liverpool need to solve before competitive action starts.

Alisson Becker, 7: Looked comfortable when called upon and was unfortunate not to get to Golovin’s penalty.

Jeremie Frimpong, 6: Showed his speed early on but had little impact after that.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 9: Outstanding composure and another display that suggested he belongs at this level.

Virgil van Dijk, 5: Largely solid until an unnecessary challenge handed Monaco their penalty.

Kostas Tsimikas, 4: Wasteful with his crossing and loose on several occasions in possession.

Dominik Szoboszlai, 6: Linked play neatly in Liverpool’s opener but was otherwise fairly quiet.

Ryan Gravenberch, 7: Grew into the game after a slow start and produced a superb assist for Isak.

Florian Wirtz, 8: Creative, intelligent and increasingly dangerous when used closer to goal.

Lewis Koumas, 7: Another assured pre-season performance, particularly when attacking down the right.

Alexander Isak, 8: Sharp movement, excellent link-up play and a brilliantly taken goal.

Cody Gakpo, 5: Passed up an early chance and struggled to trouble Monaco consistently.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, 4: Made some saves but should have dealt better with Monaco’s equaliser.

Wataru Endo, 5: Competitive and reliable, though he was exposed at times.

Luke Chambers, 4: Had a difficult second half and made one especially dangerous error.

Milos Kerkez, 4: Struggled to impose himself and was involved in Monaco’s winner.

Trey Nyoni, 5: Could not match the stronger displays he had produced earlier in pre-season.

James McConnell, 5: Found it hard to take control as Monaco dominated the midfield battle.

Rio Ngumoha, 6: Liverpool’s brightest attacker in the second half and carried a real threat.

Victor Munoz, 6: Produced one exciting burst but had limited chances to influence the match.

Calvin Ramsay, N/A: Not on long enough to be rated.

Harvey Elliott, N/A: Not on long enough to be rated.

Federico Chiesa, N/A: Not on long enough to be rated.

Andoni Iraola, 6: Saw encouraging attacking patterns from his strongest line-up, but Liverpool again lost control after building a two-goal lead. Defensive organisation and game management remain immediate concerns.