The Community Shield clash at Wembley was supposed to be Liverpool’s big chance to start the season with silverware. Instead, Crystal Palace spoiled the party, winning 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
It was a sunny day at Wembley, but the heat on the pitch was even more intense. The match began with a touching tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier this year. The Liverpool players and fans stood in silence before kickoff, their emotions clearly showing.
Liverpool started brightly. New signing Hugo Ekitike scored early with a beautiful turn and shot into the bottom corner. His sharp finish gave fans a taste of why the club paid big money for him this summer.
But Palace struck back quickly. Virgil van Dijk tripped Ismaila Sarr in the box, and Jean-Philippe Mateta calmly slotted the penalty past Alisson. Just like that, it was 1-1.
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Liverpool weren’t done. Another summer signing, Jeremie Frimpong, pushed forward on the right side and sent a cross that looped over Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the far corner. It was a mix of skill and luck, but it counted.
Palace refused to give up. Alisson had to make big saves from Chris Richards and Eberechi Eze to keep Liverpool ahead. But in the 77th minute, Cody Gakpo lost the ball under pressure, Adam Wharton threaded a perfect pass, and Sarr finished coolly past Alisson.
Liverpool could have won it late on. Mohamed Salah found himself with a golden chance but hit his shot straight at Henderson. The game went to penalties.
Then came the heartbreak. Salah blasted his penalty over the bar. Alexis Mac Allister saw his spot-kick saved by Henderson. Alisson did keep out Eze’s effort, but Henderson saved again from Harvey Elliott.
Finally, Palace’s 21-year-old substitute Justin Devenny stepped up and smashed the winning penalty into the net. Palace players ran to celebrate as Liverpool were left to reflect on what went wrong.
One bright spot for Liverpool was the debut of £116m signing Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old German midfielder looked like he had been given “the keys” to the team. He moved around the pitch with freedom, linking play and creating chances.
Wirtz told reporters earlier this week: “I think I’m a player who needs freedom on the pitch, and the manager gives it to me… I try to give my best and find the right places, and I have the freedom for this here.”
His clever pass set up Ekitike’s opening goal, and the chemistry between Liverpool’s two record signings is already promising.
While Liverpool spent big this summer, Palace barely entered the market—just £3m spent on two players. Their future looks uncertain with key stars Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze linked with moves away.
Guehi has less than a year left on his contract and is wanted by Liverpool. Arsenal are reportedly after Eze. Fans also protested UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League, a decision still under appeal.
For years, Liverpool fans were used to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson on the flanks. But Alexander-Arnold is now at Real Madrid and Robertson was on the bench.
Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, both signed this summer, were given the chance to impress. Frimpong’s speed was a big weapon, but Kerkez’s forward runs sometimes left gaps for Palace to attack. Jamie Carragher pointed out on X that Liverpool’s aggressive man-to-man defending leaves them vulnerable.
Curtis Jones had a chance to shine with Ryan Gravenberch absent and Mac Allister starting on the bench. Jones completed all 53 of his passes, showing calmness and precision.
But Palace’s Adam Wharton stole the show in midfield. The young left-footer dictated play and provided the assist for Sarr’s second goal. Many believe this could be Wharton’s breakout season.
Liverpool’s summer spending has been huge, around £300m, but they still look short in attack. With Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz gone, and Jota’s tragic loss, depth is an issue.
Federico Chiesa didn’t get on the pitch at Wembley, and when Ekitike came off, Liverpool lacked a central threat. There are whispers about a move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak before September 1, which could make Liverpool’s front line frightening again.
New manager Arne Slot will be happy with some attacking moments but concerned about defensive lapses. Liverpool were exciting going forward but too easy to counter.
Pre-season has shown the same pattern: fast, attacking football, but conceding too many goals from being stretched. Slot’s challenge will be balancing flair with discipline.
Liverpool lost a trophy, but they gained some insights. Wirtz’s creativity, Ekitike’s sharpness, and Frimpong’s pace give fans hope. But without a stronger defence and another forward, it could be a rollercoaster season.
