• Pre-season friendlies

Adam opens Liverpool account, Modric injured

Charlie Adam scored his first Liverpool goal as the Reds held off a Malaysia XI fightback for a 6-3 victory in Kuala Lumpur.

Making his first start after coming off the bench in Liverpool's opening victory on Wednesday, Adam put Kenny Dalglish's side ahead with a penalty shortly before the half-hour mark, but his spot-kick was cancelled out by Mohd Safiq Rahim's brilliant free kick on the stroke of half-time.

David Ngog scored twice in as many minutes to put the Reds 3-1 ahead, before Maxi Rodriguez added a fourth with 15 minutes remaining. The hosts threatened to launch a comeback with a late double from Safee Sali, but Maxi re-established their two-goal cushion with a header before Dirk Kuyt sealed the win in injury time.

Want-away midfielder Luka Modric was absent for Tottenham's pre-season clash against the Kaizer Chiefs, with the club citing an ankle injury. Without the Croatian, Spurs slumped to a 1-0 defeat after conceding deep into injury-time.

Peter Crouch and Gareth Bale both forced world class saves from the Chiefs goalkeeper during the 90 minutes, but Spurs were generally on the back foot and grateful for some wasteful finishing from their opponents. However, in the dying moments George Lebese broke through the heart of the Tottenham rearguard to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Samir Nasri started for Arsenal in their friendly with Hangzhou Greentown, but Arsene Wenger's biggest concern by full-time will surely have been his defence after a poor showing in Saturday's 1-1 draw. Carlos Vela scored the Gunners' goal in Yiwu City, and they deserved little more after a fragmented performance that strongly disputed Wenger's claim that Arsenal do not have defensive frailties.

Vito Mannone was forced into a save after just two minutes following a simple long ball that troubled the Arsenal defence, which featured the out-of-sorts Armand Traore at left-back. Moments later Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci both failed to inspire confidence at the heart of the back four, and they were fortunate to see Paulo Pezzolano's effort rebound off a post. It was no surprise when Hangzhou took the lead, and even less of a surprise that it was caused by a goalkeeping error. Mannone fumbled a free kick, allowing Sebastian Vasquez to pounce.

Inevitably Arsenal's class began to show as they equalised on the stroke of the interval, Andrei Arshavin finding Robin van Persie, whose shot was only parried to Carlos Vela for the equaliser. Wenger changed his entire team at the break, with Kieran Gibbs impressing and Theo Walcott frustrating during a second half that will have done little to convince Nasri - if he needed it - that he should stay at Emirates Stadium.

Andre Villas-Boas' first public game in charge of Chelsea ended in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth, but there was no goal for Fernando Torres. Former Blues defender Tal Ben Haim found his own net for the only goal of the game, planting a fine header past his own goalkeeper, and Chelsea were thankful for a penalty save by Henrique Hilario from Luke Varney.

Didier Drogba added some spice to a Chelsea attack lacking ideas, but Pompey undoubtedly should have had at least one more penalty after two excellent appeals in the final 10 minutes.

Manchester City kicked off their pre-season tour of North America with a comfortable victory over Mexican side Club America. Ryan McGivern and Shaun Wright-Phillips were on target in the first-half for Roberto Mancini's team as summer signings Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy were handed their City debuts.

SPL champions Rangers enjoyed a decent run-out against Irish champions Linfield, triumphing 4-1 at Windsor Park. New signing Juan Manuel Ortiz showed excellent composure to slot home in the 21st minute, and his effort was added to by Steven Naismith, Nikica Jelavi and Kane Hemmings.

Elsewhere, Nikola Kalinic scored the winner as Blackburn beat Accrington Stanley 2-1. Kalinic struck from close range after Kurtis Guthrie had cancelled out Keith Andrews' opener. Mick McCarthy's Wolves side lost by the same scoreline at Crewe, despite a goal from Kevin Doyle and a first start from £7 million man Roger Johnson, while Stoke were grateful for a barely-deserved Kenwyne Jones equaliser as they drew 1-1 at Newport County.

And there was a 7-0 victory for Norwich against Ridgeons League club Gorleston at Emerald Park. Grant Holt (2), Simeon Jackson and Aaron Wilbraham were all on target, as Paul Lambert gave appearances to five of his summer signings, including Bradley Johnson who marked his debut with a goal.

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