Chris Richards, Crystal Palace down Liverpool to win Community Shield

Chris Richards and Crystal Palace are becoming very used to celebrating under the Wembley arch. 

Oliver Glasner’s men picked up the first trophy of the new English season on Sunday, defeating reigning Premier League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield. The two teams played out a 2-2 result through 90 minutes before the Eagles outlasted the Reds 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

It marked Palace’s second trophy lift in the past four months across multiple competitions.

Two of Liverpool’s newest signings connected on the opening goal of the match as Hugo Ekitike finished off Florian Wirtz’s assist for a 1-0 Reds lead. 

However, Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized for Palace in the 17th minute from the penalty spot after Ismaila Sarr was brought down in the box by Virgil van Dijk.

Arne Slot’s men would take a 2-1 lead into halftime as Jeremie Frimpong netted his first goal for the club.

Crystal Palace’s second half pressure led to the equalizing goal with 13 minutes remaining. Adam Wharton’s through ball pass led Sarr to race into the box and slot home into the bottom-right corner.

A shootout was needed to decide a winner and only five of 10 efforts would find the back of the net. 

Mo Salah skied his opening effort before Dean Henderson rejected Alexis Mac Allister in the second round. 

Alisson denied Eberechi Eze’s chance later in the shootout, but Henderson made his second save to keep momentum on Crystal Palace’s side.

Despite Dominik Szoboszlai keeping Liverpool alive, Justin Devenny delivered the winning effort to give the Eagles a first-ever Community Shield triumph.