Crystal Palace claimed the Community Shield on Sunday after defeating Premier League champion Liverpool on penalties at Wembley. The triumph was a milestone day for the South Londoners, rounding off a run of form that has seen them win two trophies within a span of three months.
The curtain-raiser for the English top-level season finished 2-2 at the end of the 90 minutes after FA Cup winner Palace twice pulled back to draw against Liverpool before securing victory with a 3-2 shootout win. It was an intense match, with flashes of attacking brilliance and resilience from both teams.
Dean Henderson: The Hero Between the Posts
“It’s incredible to beat Liverpool. Coming here they were the favorites, they have unbelievable players and are a good team,” Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson said. “But we’ve won two trophies in three months for this club and it’s a remarkable moment in our history.” Henderson’s performance was instrumental in the win, as he produced two crucial saves during the shootout and kept Palace in contention during regular time.
Two penalties were saved by Henderson and another was fired over by Mohamed Salah, while a penalty which sealed the win was drilled into the top corner by Justin Devenny. The young midfielder’s composed finish ignited wild celebrations among Palace fans inside Wembley, who had turned out in great numbers to see what may prove to be a turning point in the club’s post-modern history.
Liverpool’s Early Dominance and Palace’s Fightback
New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong had twice given the Merseyside side the lead in the fourth and 21st minute. Ekitike’s first goal was after an immaculate passing move, while Frimpong’s was the result of a quick counterattack.
But Palace had come back with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty kick in the 17th and Ismaila Sarr’s close-range strike in the 77th. Mateta displayed calmness from the spot to level the score the first time around, and Sarr’s late goal made sure the match would be settled via penalties.
The victory is Palace’s second notable trophy this year, following their FA Cup success earlier in the year, and will provide manager Oliver Glasner and his players with a huge confidence boost as they head into next season’s Premier League campaign. For Liverpool, the defeat will serve as a reminder of football’s fine margins, particularly in knockout games, as they now focus their efforts on defending their league crown.
