Eagles Soar Past Liverpool in Dramatic Wembley Penalty Shootout: Crystal Palace Player Ratings After Stunning Champions

Crystal Palace secured their maiden Community Shield triumph, defeating Premier League champions Liverpool via penalty shootout on Sunday afternoon.

While Arne Slot fielded four new acquisitions in his Liverpool starting eleven, Oliver Glasner selected the identical lineup from May's FA Cup final. In contrast to their big-spending rivals, Palace have remained conservative in the transfer market, making only two new signings.

Following both sets of fans honoring Diogo Jota and brother André Silva with a minute's silence, Liverpool swiftly established their dominance. The Reds needed under five minutes to open the scoring, as one of their newcomers, Hugo Ekitiké, linked up with record purchase Florian Wirtz and clinically finished past Dean Henderson from outside the penalty area.

Slot's team attempted to control proceedings after scoring, but Palace gradually found their rhythm following the early setback. A quick passing move resulted in the penalty situation from which Jean Philippe-Mateta converted after Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have fouled Ismaïla Sarr inside the area.

Nevertheless, the Eagles remained level for merely a few minutes, as another new Liverpool signing regained their advantage. A sweeping Dominik Szoboszlai pass located Jeremie Frimpong on the right flank, and the Dutch defender raced to the touchline before attempting to deliver the ball to the far post. However, his delivery sailed beyond a helpless Dean Henderson and nestled into the English keeper's goal.

The match finally settled into a rhythm afterward, with both goalkeepers remaining relatively untroubled. Palace began creating opportunities through their wing-backs, while Liverpool allowed Wirtz to orchestrate play magnificently.

Opportunities emerged at either end early in the second period, with Ekitiké firing wildly first-time after collecting a cross from the left before Alisson thwarted Eberechi Eze on the counter-attack. Chris Richards also directed a weak header at the Brazilian from Adam Wharton's set-piece.

Slot altered his approach for the match's final quarter, replacing Ekitiké with midfielder Wataru Endō, but the Dutch manager's substitution failed to provide the intended stability. Five minutes afterward, Palace drew level once more. On this occasion, Sarr was played through a massive gap in Liverpool's backline and finished off the upright with Alisson rushing toward him.

The impetus suddenly shifted to the Eagles, who had a reasonable penalty appeal dismissed by VAR after Sarr was excellently thwarted by Milos Kerkez's intervention. Liverpool created their chances as full-time approached, with the subdued Mohamed Salah striking a half-volley directly at Henderson, but Palace came nearest at the death, as substitute Justin Devenny pulled an attempt wide from the penalty area's edge.

The ensuing penalty shootout featured numerous wayward efforts, with Henderson emerging as the hero once again. His two stops, from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, coupled with Salah's wayward strike over the crossbar, secured Palace's historic triumph.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs. Liverpool (3-4-2-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob

Subs not used: Walter Benítez (GK), Nathaniel Clyne, Romain Esse, Odsonne Édouard, Rio Cardines.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob

Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Federico Chiesa, Trey Nyoni, Ben Doak, Rio Nguhoma.

Player of the Match: Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)