Liverpool’s recent Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace revealed a glaring weakness in their team and their transfer plans. Despite scoring twice, Liverpool’s defense crumbled twice, allowing Palace to come back and eventually win on penalties.
This match shows why Liverpool should think twice before spending big money on striker Alexander Isak.
The famous saying “attacks win games, but defenses win titles” was clear in this game. Liverpool went ahead twice, but poor defending let Palace equalize each time.
Virgil Van Dijk, usually a rock at the back, made a costly mistake inside the box that allowed Jean-Phillipe Mateta to score a penalty just before halftime. Later, Ismaila Sarr easily broke through Liverpool’s defense to make it 2-2 with only 13 minutes left.
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Liverpool had chances to score again but it was their defense that let them down repeatedly. This defensive weakness is the real problem Liverpool manager Arne Slot must fix.
The Reds have made waves this summer with big transfers, losing stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz but signing exciting new players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike.
All four new signings started in the Community Shield. Wirtz and Ekitike combined early to give Liverpool the lead in less than four minutes. Ekitike, who cost Liverpool up to £79 million, celebrated by cupping his hand to his mouth, a clear message to critics amid the ongoing chase for Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
Despite Liverpool’s interest in Isak and a bid reportedly rejected at £110 million, Ekitike’s performance suggested Liverpool may not even need another striker. The team already has many attack-minded players, and adding Isak could make the forward line crowded without solving their real issues.
Crystal Palace’s equalizer by Sarr was no surprise since Palace controlled much of the game after Liverpool’s early lead. The match highlighted how Liverpool’s defense continues to give their opponents easy chances.
Liverpool fans and experts alike wonder: why spend so much on a striker when the defense is leaking goals? The team was more solid last season under Slot, which helped them win their 20th league title. But now, the focus seems to be on bolstering the attack while the defense remains shaky.
History warns Liverpool about this approach. Former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan tried building a team focused on attack but ended up struggling with defensive weaknesses. Liverpool risks repeating the same mistake if they sign Isak without fixing their defense first.
Isak may be eager to join Liverpool, but the club’s real need is for a world-class defender, not just another forward. Spending over £100 million on a striker when their backline is vulnerable could backfire badly.
Liverpool’s transfer window has been praised for signing big names, but the Community Shield showed that flashy signings alone don’t guarantee success. Defending and keeping a strong, balanced squad is what wins titles.
The Premier League is tough and competitive. If Liverpool continue to neglect their defense while focusing on attack, they could lose the edge that brought them recent glory.
For Liverpool to challenge again this season, they must rethink their transfer priorities. Investing in a strong defender should come before adding more forwards.
The Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace was a warning shot. Liverpool’s management must listen and act wisely, because titles are won by teams that defend well, not just by those who score goals.
