Liverpool got off to a fast start in the Community Shield as Hugo Ekitike scored inside of five minutes, but they could not hold the lead on two separate occasions as Crystal Palace equalised twice to tie the match at 2-2 and take the trophy on penalties 3-2.
First Half
It did not take long for a pair of the new lads to combine for a goal in he 4th minute, Florian Wirtz delivered a pass to Hugo Ekitike in the box. He delivered a low shot that was placed in the bottom corner for a 1-0 lead.
Palace began to work their way into the game with a pair of corner kicks inside of 10 minutes. That improved spell of play led to a penalty in the 17th minute. Jean Philippe-Mateta converted from the spot to tie the game at 1-1.
The Reds wasted little time nosing their way back in front when Jeremie Frimpong scored on what looked to be a cross that found the back of the net in the 21st minute to lead 2-1.
The match settled down from that point as neither side threatened, but Ibrahima Konate did receive a yellow card in the 43rd minute for a challenge, and Wirtz was also cautioned in first-half stoppage time. Even so, Liverpool led 2-1 at the break.
Second Half
Ekitite had an early sight of goal in the second half, but he put a header just wide. He had another shot in front of goal in the 52nd minute, but it was high. Cody Gakpo had a shot blocked in the 56th minute.
Crystal Palace would not go away as they earned a corner near the hour mark. Alisson made the save, however, as the Reds stayed in front 2-1. Wirtz put another shot high in the 69th minute. After a hydration break, Domonik Szoboszlai put a shot on frame, but Dean Henderson made the save.
Ismaïla Sarr banged one in off the post in the 77th minute to tie things at 2-2. Mohamed Salah scored a save moments later. Salah earned a corner in stoppage time. Szoboszlai put a shot on frame from that corner, but the save was made as he match headed to penalties.
Penalties
Salah put the penalty over the bar while Meteta converted his. Alexis Mac Allister's was saved by Henderson. Alisson came up with a big save to keep the Reds in it, and Gakpo scored to tie things at 1-1. Sarr scored to put Crystal Palace back in front, and Harvey Elliott's shot was saved.
With Crystal Palace leading 2-1, Dominik Szoboszlai tied things once again at 2-2, but Palace youngster Justin Devenny gave Palace the trophy with a conversion in the top corner.
Cause For Concern?
The revamped offence is nice and I like the Frimpong and Wirtz connection, but the back four has to be better. Virgil van Dijk surrendered a penalty and was out of position for the second Crystal Palace goal. Also, Salah has missed two straight penalties in the preseason. I don't mean to sound like an alarmist, but if Liverpool want to repeat as EPL Champions, they have to play better.
What Does Slot Say?
As you can imagine, Arne Slot was not happy with the result.
"Disappointing, of course, if you're twice a goal up and you're still not able to win the game, that's disappointing. A game that was quite even, I think. There were moments in the game where I thought we could have won it. But in the end, they came close to making the winner as well. So, like I said, even game. And then it goes to penalties, which they did better than us. We again conceded two goals, which we did against Bilbao, and we conceded a couple more against Milan. So that is something we need to do better."
LFC Globe Verdict
I know it's technically a pre-season game, but the Reds missed out on lifting a trophy, and that is disappointing. I would like to see the club put more emphasis on defence. I'm not sure if the club can bring someone in before the end of the transfer window, but they need to make an effort.
Man Of The Match
I'm going to split it and say both Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong. Each had a goal and played well, particularly in the first half. They continued to work their way into good spaces in the second half, but could not finish off chances.
What's Next?
The Premier League starts in earnest on August 15th, hosting Bournemouth at Anfield.
Goals
Crystal Palace
1. Jean Philippe-Mateta 17' PK
2. Ismaïla Sarr 77'
Liverpool
- Hugo Ekitike 4'
- Jeremie Frimpong 21'
Substitutes
Crystal Palace
- Will Hughes for Daichi Camada 29'
- Borna Sosa for Tyrick Mitchell 79'
- Jefferson Lerma for Adam Whorton 85'
- Justin Devenny for Marc Guehi 90+'
Liverpool
- Alexis Mac Allister for Hugo Ekitike 71'
- Wataru Endo for Curtis Jones 71'
- Andy Robertson for Milos Kerkez 84'
- Harvey Elliott for Florian Wirtz 84'
