Crystal Palace won their first-ever FA Community Shield, after holding Liverpool to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Wembley and winning 3-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Hugo Ekitike scored in the fourth minute after forming a strong connection with fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz, demonstrating the immediate impact of Liverpool’s summer acquisitions.
After being fouled in the box, Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a penalty kick in the 17th minute to give Palace a swift response. Midway through the first half, Jeremie Frimpong’s deft finish gave Liverpool the lead again, but Palace resisted.
Ismaila Sarr grabbed Adam Wharton’s pass in 77th minute of the second half and scored off the post to tie the score once more.
Both sides tried to win late, and Justin Devenny, Mateta, and Mohamed Salah all came very close. The game proceeded to penalties after no progress was made.
After missing a chance late in regular time, Devenny made a flawless save from the penalty spot to give Palace the win.
With the victory, Palace’s winning streak now stands at ten games, while Liverpool has lost six of their last seven Community Shield appearances as league champions.
