Crystal Palace twice came from behind to stun a new-look Liverpool and win the Community Shield for the first time on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley on Sunday.
New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored for the Premier League champions, but Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr before winning an error-strewn shootout 3-2.
Mohamed Salah blazed over from the spot, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were denied by an inspired Dean Henderson as Palace built on winning their first ever major trophy by beating Manchester City in May’s FA Cup final.
The traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season was given extra significance after a summer marked by tragedy for Liverpool.
Reds legend Ian Rush and Palace chairman Steve Parish laid wreaths on the side of the pitch before kick-off, while the Liverpool end was awash with banners and flags paying tribute to the Portuguese international.
A minute’s silence, however, had to be cut short due to disturbances in the crowd.
Jota’s death has dampened the excitement over Liverpool’s transfer spending spree to build on a squad that romped to a record-equalling 20th league title last season.
All four of their new signings for £260 million ($350 million) — Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez — started.
Ekitike’s role this season could depend on whether Liverpool are successful in their pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
But the Frenchman — signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last month for an initial £69 million — did his case to be Slot’s preferred number nine no harm at all.
Wirtz also bagged his first assist for the Reds when Ekitike spun onto the German’s pass and fired into the far corner just four minutes.
Palace were making their first ever appearance in the fixture, but the Eagles again showed their ability to match one of the Premier League’s giants over 90 minutes.
Mateta missed a glorious chance to level when he failed to beat Alisson Becker one-on-one.
AFP
