(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Sun 10 August 2025 19:00, UK

Liverpool’s new striker Hugo Ekitike will have already made a good impression on manager Arne Slot following a moment in the Red’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace.

Liverpool player ratings as Hugo Ekitike excellent but one man gets 5/10 in Crystal Palace loss	‘Wow' - Liverpool will be 'unbeatable' if they now complete Marc Guehi deal	Liverpool line-ups vs Crystal Palace as Alexis Mac Allister and Hugo Ekitike decisions made

As Premier League champions, Liverpool travelled to Wembley to compete in the Community Shield with last season’s FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

Ekitike put Liverpool ahead after just four minutes before Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised from the penalty spot for Palace.

Another summer recruit put Liverpool back ahead in the first half as Jeremie Frimpong netted their second, but Palace replied again through Ismaila Sarr in the second half before the Eagles won the contest in the penalty shootout.

Ekitike joined Liverpool this summer.

(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Liverpool could have added a second goal before Palace equalised as Dean Henderson denied Cody Gapko with a smart reaction save from close-range.

Ekitike, who was signed from Eintracht Franfurt, has already showed the quality he possess to the Liverpool support.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Arne Slot is heading into his second season as Liverpool boss (Credit: Imago)

Football Insider Verdict

It was a chance for Slot to assess his squad ahead of the new season and their attacking capabilities have not gone away.

Their Community Shield defeat showed slight defensive concerns for Liverpool with Palace able to breach their ranks on two occasions, which will need to be addressed if the Reds are to retain their Premier League title this season.

The new back four will need time to gel, but it shows Slot should be spending any funds on another centre-back following the departure of Jarell Quansah and the uncertain future of Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool kick-off the new Premier League campaign in just five days time when they welcome Bournemouth to Anfield.

Related Posts