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The Reds had been favourites to clinch back-to-back League Cup wins, but a dismal performance saw them fall to a shock 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United.

Arne Slot was denied his first silverware as Liverpool head coach in the process, though he did not have much longer with his side clinching the Premier League title little over six weeks later before getting their hands on the trophy at the end of May.

Courtesy of their title triumph, Liverpool will be back at Wembley on Sunday as the Premier League champions take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.



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Having won silverware in each of his two full seasons with the Reds, Cody Gakpo - who scored twice in Liverpool's final friendly of the summer against Athletic Bilbao - is determined to make it a hat-trick at the first time of asking on Sunday.

And while the Community Shield is often written off as a ‘glorified friendly’, the Dutchman insists it is important for the Reds to start the season well and build momentum ahead of getting their title defence underway.

“It’s going to be an important game for us to start the season well and that’s what we’re here for,” he insisted.

Hopefully we come back with the Community Shield.

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“I think if we can play a good game and a good performance and get the trophy back home, then we have good momentum for the rest of the beginning of the season.

To begin well is always very important.

“It’s (Crystal Palace) obviously a very good side.

I think they proved that last season as well against us but also against other teams.

“They didn’t win the FA Cup without quality, so that means they have a lot of quality and a lot of good players.

They deserved to win that trophy.

“It’s going to be a tough game with some good players on their side and good players on our side.

That makes it maybe a little bit easier to adapt for new players to come in.

“I think a lot of the players knew each other maybe from playing against each other in the national team or things like this.

“For example, Jeremie and Flo came from the same club.
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