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Introduction
Liverpool’s hopes of starting the 2025–26 season with silverware ended in heartbreak at Wembley on Sunday, as Crystal Palace edged the Reds 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the FA Community Shield.
The game had everything. Early goals, debut heroics, defensive lapses, and a shootout where nerves played as big a role as skill. Arne Slot’s side showed flashes of quality but will be left ruing missed chances and a lack of composure from the spot.
Bright Start and a Dream Debut for Ekitike
Liverpool could not have asked for a better start. Just four minutes in, Hugo Ekitike marked his competitive debut with a superb finish. The move was a slick one-two with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz, before Ekitike spun on the edge of the box and powered the ball into Dean Henderson’s far corner. It was the sort of goal that had the travelling fans on their feet, already imagining the striker’s name lighting up scoreboards across the season.
The joy, however, was short-lived. Only 13 minutes later, Palace found a way back when Virgil van Dijk brought down Ismaila Sarr inside the area. Jean-Philippe Mateta made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending Alisson Becker the wrong way. The Brazilian had already denied the striker once in a one-on-one moments earlier, but this time the contest was even again.
Frimpong’s Fortunate but Fitting Moment
Liverpool weren’t rattled. They went straight back on the attack, with Jeremie Frimpong proving why Slot was so keen to bring him in this summer. On 20 minutes, the full-back received a switch from Dominik Szoboszlai, turned on the afterburners to race past Tyrick Mitchell, and swung in what looked like a cross for the forwards. Instead, the ball sliced off his boot and sailed over Henderson into the far corner.
It was an unexpected goal but one that came at a poignant moment. The clock read 20 minutes and 20 seconds, just as the Liverpool fans were paying tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Football has a strange way of writing its own scripts.
From there, Liverpool pressed to extend their lead. Ekitike looked lively, Szoboszlai was finding pockets of space, and Wirtz was quietly knitting moves together. Palace, however, reminded the Reds they were still in the game, with Sarr narrowly missing Daniel Munoz’s low cross just before the break.
Ekitike’s Missed Chances Shift the Momentum
The second half began with another burst from Liverpool. Twice in quick succession, Ekitike found himself in promising positions. First, he nodded a close-range header wide, then curled a bending shot just past the post. Either chance could have put Liverpool two goals clear and likely out of sight. Instead, those misses kept Palace’s hopes alive.
Slot’s side soon found themselves defending as Palace grew into the game. Alisson was called into action to save Chris Richards’ header and then get down low to stop Eberechi Eze’s shot. The Brazilian was sharp, but the pressure was mounting.
Sarr Strikes and Wembley Holds Its Breath
On 65 minutes, Palace made their breakthrough. Adam Wharton slipped a perfectly weighted through ball behind Liverpool’s high line, and Sarr raced onto it before finishing low off the post. Alisson got a touch, but it wasn’t enough to keep the ball out. The score was level at 2-2, and suddenly the Community Shield had all the tension of a cup final.
Both sides had half-chances in the closing stages. Mohamed Salah tested Henderson from distance, and Justin Devenny went close for Palace. But with no extra time in this competition, it was straight to penalties.
Penalty Drama at Wembley
Liverpool’s shootout started in the worst possible way. Mohamed Salah stepped up first but struck his effort straight at Henderson. Alexis Mac Allister followed and saw his shot saved as well. It was a nightmare start for the Reds, who found themselves 1-0 down after Eze also failed to score but Sarr converted for Palace.
Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool a lifeline by tucking his penalty away, but Harvey Elliott was then denied by Henderson. Palace could smell victory when Borna Sosa smashed his kick against the crossbar, though Szoboszlai briefly restored hope with a confident finish.
It was short-lived. Devenny, who had gone close in open play, made no mistake from the spot to seal a 3-2 shootout win for Palace. The red half of Wembley was left stunned, while the Palace supporters celebrated a rare piece of silverware.
Debutants Show Promise Despite Defeat
For Arne Slot, there were still positives to take from the afternoon. All four summer signings in the starting XI made an impression. Ekitike scored and could easily have had more. Frimpong offered energy and width, even if his goal was a little fortunate. Wirtz looked composed and clever in possession, while Milos Kerkez was solid on the left before being replaced by Andy Robertson late on.
The return of Alisson was also a boost, with the goalkeeper making several key saves. But the penalty shootout highlighted a lack of calm under pressure, something the squad will need to address if they want to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Arne Slot’s Verdict and What Comes Next
Speaking after the game, Slot was quick to praise his players’ intensity but admitted the missed chances were costly. “We started well, we created enough to win in normal time, but in football, you have to take your moments. Palace were dangerous and took theirs,” he said.
The Dutchman also defended Salah and Mac Allister after their penalty misses, calling it “part of the game” and stressing that the squad will move on quickly. Liverpool now turn their attention to the Premier League opener, where they will be keen to respond immediately.
A Familiar Lesson for Liverpool
For all the new signings and fresh ideas, this was a reminder that Liverpool can still be vulnerable in certain areas. Defensive lapses and missed chances have hurt them in the past, and they did again here. The shootout was simply the final twist in a contest that could have been settled long before.
The pace of Ekitike and Frimpong, the creativity of Wirtz, and the leadership of Van Dijk will all be crucial in the months ahead. But consistency, especially against stubborn opponents, will decide whether Liverpool can turn good performances into trophies.
Palace’s Day in the Sun
Credit must go to Crystal Palace. Under their current management, they have built a team that can defend well, break at speed, and punish mistakes. Sarr was a constant threat, Wharton’s passing was incisive, and Henderson’s penalty heroics crowned a fine display. For the Eagles, this was not just a curtain-raiser it was a statement that they can compete with the very best.
Conclusion
The 2025 Community Shield will not be the season-defining moment for Liverpool, but it is a small missed opportunity to start the campaign with confidence and a trophy. For Palace, it was a chance to lift silverware in front of their fans and prove they are ready for the challenges ahead.
For Arne Slot and his players, the task is now to learn quickly, sharpen their finishing, and turn promising performances into wins. The Premier League is waiting, and so is the chance to bounce back.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com