CRYSTAL Palace pulled off a stunning victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley.
New Liverpool signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong found the net, but Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr.
Mohamed Salah missed a crucial penalty, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were denied by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised his team, saying, “We were on the same level as Liverpool and it was a big performance.”
The match carried emotional weight for Liverpool following the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident earlier this summer.
A minute’s silence was disrupted by crowd disturbances, though tributes were paid to Jota with wreaths and banners.
Liverpool fielded all four of their new signings, including Ekitike, who opened the scoring early with a clinical finish.
Palace equalised after Mateta converted a penalty following a foul by Virgil van Dijk on Sarr.
Frimpong restored Liverpool’s lead with a chipped cross that deceived Henderson, but defensive frailties cost them again.
Sarr struck late to force penalties, where youngster Justin Devenny sealed Palace’s historic win with a confident spot-kick.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side must improve defensively to challenge for the title. - AFP
