Crystal Palace claimed the Community Shield for the first time in their history after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Liverpool at Wembley. The FA Cup winners triumphed 5-4 on spot-kicks after the match finished 2-2 in normal time, with Justin Devenny scoring the decisive penalty after Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott all missed for Liverpool.
Liverpool had taken the lead twice through new signings Hugo Ekitiké and Jeremie Frimpong, but Palace equalised both times. Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a penalty after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaïla Sarr, and Sarr himself scored the second equaliser to send the game to penalties. The result was a blow for Arne Slot's side, who had spent almost £300m on new players this summer.
Palace's victory was built on a resilient performance, with Eberechi Eze causing problems for Liverpool's defence. Marc Guéhi, the Palace captain, put in an all-action display before leaving the field with cramp, only to return to lift the trophy. The south London club now await the outcome of their appeal against a Europa League demotion, due to be announced on Monday.
For Liverpool, the defeat may prompt further transfer activity, with reports suggesting they could step up attempts to sign Guéhi. Slot will hope his side can be more clinical when they begin their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on Friday night.
