Reds Beaten On Penalties in Community Shield: Crystal Palace 2-2 Liverpool (3-2)
Anfield Index Post-Match Podcasts and Articles
Liverpool’s First Half Promise, Second Half Warning
Liverpool’s opening act at Wembley was a glimpse of what this new side might become, full of invention and intelligence. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combined with a fluency that bent the match to their will, the first goal arriving from movement and touch that felt preordained. There was control in midfield, angles found that did not seem to exist, and a sense that the champions had replenished with rare quality.
The second half stripped some of that away. Ekitike’s withdrawal left the attack without a focal point and the shape drifted, the ball often going nowhere. Palace’s structure began to suffocate, their back three drawing Liverpool into channels that led only to frustration. It was a reminder that depth is not an abstract concern, but the difference between closing a game out and inviting trouble.
Virgil van Dijk, unwell in the lead-up, found himself in alien positions, pulled into midfield as gaps appeared. Without Ryan Gravenberch there was a missing link in the left-sided balance, the captain stepping forward to fill it, sometimes to the detriment of the defence. The penalty shootout that followed was decided by poor execution and a questionable order.
There is no shame in losing the Community Shield, but there is value in seeing the fault lines before the season begins. The first half was a statement of talent, the second a quiet alarm. This team can still command the league, but it still needs reinforcements, and it needs them soon.
Post-Match Podcasts
Gags Tandon is away so Jack McIndoe was joined by Connor Niblet to discuss Liverpool's Community Shield loss against Crystal Palace at Wembely.
On the first RAW of the season, Trev Downey hosts Karl Matchett and Jim Boardman to discuss the penalties defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley. On an afternoon that started on a demoralising and sour note, there were moments of optimism and beauty including a goal for Hugo Ekitike and a very poignant one for Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool reporter David Lynch and LFC Head Coach Arne Slot give their reactions to the penalty defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley today.
Post-Match Articles
