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ADEBAYOR DOUBLE SINKS AJAX

Adebayor strikes for Arsenal.

Emmanuel Adebayor struck twice as Arsenal came from behind to beat hosts Ajax 3-2 at the Amsterdam Tournament.

With a Champions League qualifier in Holland against Steve McClaren's FC Twente fast approaching, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had suggested this encounter would serve as "ideal preparation" for the opening of the new campaign.

So it proved, as the Dutch side - beaten by FC Twente in a play-off for a crack at Europe's elite club competition - went into the break 2-0 ahead following quick-fire goals from Uruguay striker Luis Suarez and highly-rated captain Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Arsenal rallied in the second half and were given a lifeline through Adebayor's bullet header - before, with 15 minutes left, substitute Nicklas Bendtner levelled the scores.

There was still time for a winner too - which came when Adebayor slotted home from Denilson's pass following another slick passing move by the Barclays Premier League club.

The Kop left Rafael Benitez in no doubt about what they thought of speculation that Xabi Alonso could be sold to fund a move for Gareth Barry during Liverpool's 1-0 friendly win over Italian side Lazio.

One of the heroes of Istanbul three years ago, Alonso was treated to a display of affection and support that the Reds manager could not have failed to understand.

Songs outlining what the Anfield faithful felt about a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Barry were frankly unrepeatable - but the message was clear.

Liverpool fans chanted Alonso's name constantly during the game against a competitive Italian side, and the Spaniard responded with a fine all-action display of passing and running.

There was no Steven Gerrard but this was as strong a side as Benitez could put out.

The captain will probably not make Wednesday's Champions League qualifier at Standard Liege due to a thigh problem, but it appears the Anfield boss settled on something similar to the side that will take the field in Belgium.

Liverpool were crisp and assertive, with Alonso pulling the strings in front of a 43,062 crowd.

They made it eight pre-season games unbeaten, the winner coming in injury-time when Andriy Voronin volleyed home from Jay Spearing's pass.

Middlesbrough came back from a goal down to hammer Sparta Rotterdam 6-1 at the Het Kasteel stadium.

Arnold Slot pounced on some poor defending to open the scoring for the hosts in the second minute, but Afonso Alves finished when one-on-one with the goalkeeper just moments later.

Jeremie Aliadiere put Boro ahead in the eighth minute after a fine dribble by Tuncay Sanli, and Josh Walker added a third five minutes afterwards in a frantic start to the match.

It was 4-1 after quarter of an hour when in-form Alves chipped home and Stewart Downing, captain for the day, made it five before the break with a sharp finish.

Wales Under-21 defender Rhys Williams rounded off the night's scoring just after the interval with a brilliant long-range effort.

Ten-man Bolton saw Gary Cahill dismissed as Bolton were beaten 1-0 by AEK Athens.

New signing Danny Shittu made his Trotters debut but lost central defensive partner Cahill within 20 minutes when the former Aston Villa player was adjudged to have brought down Juanfran.

The red card completed a frantic opening for Wanderers, who were also thankful for Jussi Jaaskelainen's 10th-minute penalty save from Rivaldo - after Jlloyd Samuel had fouled Ignacio Scocco.

In the 17th minute, the English side fell behind to what would prove the decisive blow when Perparim Hetemaj blasted home a brilliant 25-yard shot via the crossbar.

Samuel volleyed just wide, but the Greeks were utterly dominant in the first half amid a lively atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium.

Ricardo Vaz Te and Andy O'Brien came close in the dying moments, but Bolton were deservedly beaten.

Stoke took the lead twice but were eventually held to a 2-2 draw by Spanish side Osasuna .

Thomas Sorensen, Seyi Olofinjana and Dave Kitson were all handed home debuts by manager Tony Pulis - who also included midfielder Amdy Faye, on trial from Charlton, on the bench.

Defender Ryan Shawcross followed up his own header against the bar to put City ahead just before the half-hour, but former Birmingham striker Walter Pandiani equalised soon afterwards when he evaded several defenders to connect with Dier Sanjuto's cross.

The Potters were ahead again moments before the break when Shawcross' shot hit ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Ricardo and bounced into the net off the legs of Rory Delap.

Javad Nekounam ensured a share of the spoils for the Spaniards with a powerful header 15 minutes from time.

The result means Stoke - who kick off their first Premier League season against Bolton next weekend - have five wins, a draw and a defeat from their pre-season matches.