Crystal Palace lifted the FA Community Shield for the first time in their history, defeating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after an enthralling 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson was the hero for the FA Cup holders, saving spot-kicks from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott before Mohamed Salah missed his attempt. The saves set the stage for 21-year-old substitute Justin Devenny, who converted the decisive penalty to seal a second piece of major silverware in three months for the South London club.
The traditional season curtain-raiser was played with a rare intensity and emotion. Liverpool, fielding several new signings, took the lead in just the fourth minute. A brilliant exchange between debutants saw ยฃ116 million record signing Florian Wirtz tee up striker Hugo Ekitike, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Palace, undeterred, drew level 13 minutes later when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have fouled Ismaila Sarr inside the box.
Liverpool restored their advantage shortly after the 20-minute mark in fortuitous circumstances. On an emotional day for the club, supporters had just completed a tribute to former player Diogo Jota, who tragically died last month, when right-back Jeremie Frimpongโs attempted cross looped over Henderson and went in off the far post.
Despite creating several chances in the second half, including a glaring miss from Ekitike, Liverpool failed to extend their lead. They were made to pay when Sarr beat the offside trap and slotted a clinical finish past Henderson to make it 2-2, ultimately sending the contest to a shootout.
The victory marks a significant achievement for manager Oliver Glasner’s side, who became the first team to win the Community Shield on their debut appearance since Derby County in 1975. The triumph provides a major boost ahead of Monday, when the club will learn the outcome of their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against a demotion from the UEFA Europa League.
For Liverpool, it was a day of poignant reflection, marking their first competitive match since the death of Jota. A wreath was laid in his memory before the game, though a planned minute of silence was cut short by crowd noise. The defeat means their wait for a 17th Community Shield title goes on.
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