Liverpool were denied a successful trip to Wembley as Crystal Palace came from behind to win the Community Shield. The Reds were huge favourites heading into the fixture but ended up losing via a penalty shoot-out. The start of the match was somewhat spoiled when a minute’s silence to remember Diogo Jota was interrupted by shouting fans.
Once the game was underway, Liverpool immediately got going and only needed four minutes to open the scoring through Hugo Ekitike. Their advantage was short-lived, though, as Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled back a quick equaliser from the penalty spot. Jeremie Frimpong restored Liverpool’s lead with a cross which sailed over everybody and nestled in the corner of the net.
It looked like the Reds would hold on to win but Ismaila Sarr fired back for Palace with just 13 minutes remaining. The underdogs were then denied another penalty shout when Alexis Mac Allister handled the ball despite VAR taking a look at the incident.
No more goals arrived before the final whistle, meaning penalties were required to determine the winner. Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott all missed before Justin Devenny buried the decisive spot-kick for the Eagles.
Express Sport rates the Liverpool players from today’s game…
Liverpool player ratings vs Crystal Palace
Alisson Becker – 6
Made an excellent stop to deny Mateta from close range before being sent the wrong way from the penalty spot. Made some big saves in the second half. Was not the guilty party for Sarr’s equaliser.
Jeremie Frimpong – 7
Scored with a cross from a tight angle which landed in the back of the net. Worked tirelessly at both ends of the pitch, covering every blade of grass on the right flank. A strong display.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Looked comfortable at the back for most of the game. Used his mobility to snuff out counter-attacks and started moves with his progressive passing. Decent.
Virgil van Dijk – 4
Gave away the penalty with a clumsy challenge on Ismaila Sarr. Lost his concentration to let the same player score the equaliser in the second half. Not his best display in a Liverpool shirt.
Milos Kerkez – 5
Struggled to deal with the pace of Daniel Munoz at times. Made a few strong forward runs but was largely restricted to his defensive duties. Room for improvement.
Curtis Jones – 6
Was relatively quiet, blending into the background for most of the game, but completed all of his passes. Did the basics well enough without setting the world alight.
Dominic Szoboszlai – 7
Fared well in his new deeper role in the absence of Ryan Gravenberch. Kept things ticking with his smooth passing and helped out in defence when needed. Not bad at all.
Florian Wirtz – 8
Got the assist for Ekitike’s early goal and created plenty of chances for the Reds. Impressed with his clever touches, quick feet and tidy passing. A very good display.
Mohamed Salah – 4
Struggled to get into the game, only touching the ball six times in the opening 37 minutes. Missed a golden chance to win the game for Liverpool in the closing stages before blazing his spot-kick over the crossbar. Not great.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Unlucky not to score in the early exchanges when he was denied by a fine save. Worked hard to make things happen but was let down by his decision-making at times.
Hugo Ekitike – 7
Wasted no time in making an instant impact with a brilliantly-taken goal. Offered himself as the focal point in attack and linked up with his team-mates well, but missed two big chances in the second half.
Substitutes
Wataru Endo – 6
Came on for the final 20 minutes, replacing Curtis Jones. Did the basics well but offered little of note.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Was introduced in place of Hugo Ekitike. Got lucky when he handled the ball in the closing stages without giving away a penalty before missing his spot-kick in the shoot-out.
Harvey Elliott – n/a
A late addition. Was among those who missed penalties for Liverpool.
Andy Robertson – n/a
A late addition.
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