Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon after a 2-2 thriller ended at full time.
Liverpool Strikes First in a Lightning Start
It took less than five minutes for Liverpool to make their mark, with two of their marquee summer signings linking up for the opener. Florian Wirtz threaded a perfect pass to Hugo Ekitike, and the French striker drilled a low shot into the bottom corner with precision and power. Dean Henderson had no chance.
The champions looked sharp and full of energy in the opening exchanges, but in the 17th minute, Crystal Palace hit back. Virgil van Dijk clipped Ismaila Sarr in the box after a quick counter, and Jean-Philippe Mateta made no mistake from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
Frimpong Restores Liverpool’s Lead
Palace’s equaliser lasted just four minutes. Jeremie Frimpong, another of Liverpool’s summer recruits, burst down the right and carried the ball into the area. What looked like a cross to the back post instead looped over Henderson and into the far corner. Intentional or not, it put Liverpool 2–1 ahead and back in control.
By the break, Liverpool still held that lead, though Palace had more shots on goal, showing they could hurt the champions whenever they broke forward.
Crystal Palace Punishes Defensive Lapse
The second half saw both teams create chances. Mateta was close with a header from Marc Guehi’s delivery, while Alisson Becker denied Eberechi Eze from close range.
In the 77th minute, Palace finally carved a goal out. Will Hughes won the ball in midfield and Sarr was released in behind Liverpool’s high line. Van Dijk stepped up too late, leaving Sarr free to run through and slot past Alisson for 2–2.
Minutes later, Crystal Palace thought they might have had a penalty when Alexis Mac Allister appeared to handle in the box, but both the referee and VAR waved play on. This call was seen as a very controversial one from the referee and his VAR assistant.
Penalty Shootout Drama Seals Community Shield for the Eagles
With no winner after 90 minutes, the match went to penalties. The penalty shootout started very poorly for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah blazed his attempt over from 12 yards, before Mac Allister saw his effort saved by Henderson. Palace couldn’t fully capitalize, though, as Eze had his penalty stopped by Alisson.
Harvey Elliott also saw his kick saved, leaving the champions having missed three of their first four attempts from the spot. Palace had the chance to finish it when Borna Sosa stepped up, but he smashed his effort against the bar.
That set the stage for 21-year-old Justin Devenny, who buried his penalty into the top corner to hand Palace the Community Shield and cap off a thrilling contest.
