Crystal Palace claimed the Community Shield in dramatic fashion, edging Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw at Wembley. Dean Henderson emerged as the hero, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to secure back-to-back major trophies for the Eagles following their FA Cup triumph in May.
Liverpool made a dream start when summer signing Hugo Ekitike marked his competitive debut with a fourth-minute goal, calmly finishing after a neat exchange with Florian Wirtz. Palace responded quickly as Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr.
Arne Slot’s side regained the lead almost immediately through Jeremie Frimpong, whose looping effort from the right caught Henderson off guard. Palace pressed for a second-half equaliser and found it in the 77th minute, when Sarr latched onto Adam Wharton’s precise pass and finished off the inside of the post.
The contest had its share of controversy, with Palace denied a late penalty after VAR judged there was no handball by Alexis Mac Allister.
In the shootout, Mohamed Salah blazed over Liverpool’s first attempt before Henderson denied both Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. Justin Devenny then stepped up to bury the decisive kick, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Palace players and fans.
