(Credit: Imago)

Edward Bazeley

Sun 10 August 2025 17:39, UK

Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday via a penalty shootout, after drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Sarr shines, 7/10 off the bench - Crystal Palace player ratings v Liverpool	Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs. Crystal Palace as Virgil van Dijk has off-day	Crystal Palace 2-2 p

Arne Slot’s men took an early lead on 10 August through summer signing Hugo Ekitike, but Palace soon found themselves level when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from the penalty spot.

But the South Londoners equalised once again when Virgil Van Dijk’s defensive error handed Ismaila Sarr too much space in the second half.

Liverpool’s unfortunate fate was sealed when Mohamed Salah blazed his penalty over the bar, before both Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott saw their efforts from 12 yards saved by Dean Henderson.

(Credit: Imago)

Alisson Becker – 7

The Liverpool goalkeeper was made to do more than he would have liked, as the Palace attack caused Slot’s side problems, but he stood firm frequently, and could do little about the Eagles’ goals.

Saved Eberechi Eze’s penalty in the shootout.

Jeremie Frimpong – 7

Although there was an element of fortune in his goal, the former Bayer Leverkusen man enjoyed a strong competitive debut for the Merseyside giants, getting himself on the scoresheet.

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Ibrahima Konate – 6

The France international rarely outshines his defensive partner Van Dijk, but managed to do so at Wembley, as the Dutchman conceded a penalty, as well as being at fault for the second Palace goal, whereas Ibrahima Konate largely defended well.

Virgil van Dijk – 4

Van Dijk is usually one of Liverpool’s most reliable assets, but on Sunday, he was a major hindrance to his side.

The Netherlands star first handed the Eagles a lifeline by giving away a penalty, before his poor positioning allowed Sarr to bag the South London side’s second equaliser.

Milos Kerkez – 6

Milos Kerkez enjoyed a largely solid first competitive outing for the Reds, but was outshone by fellow debutants Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Frimpong.

Curtis Jones – 7

Amid Ryan Gravenberch’s absence, Jones was trusted by Slot to perform in a deeper midfield role, and produced an impressive 100 per cent passing accuracy.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Wirtz’s arrival will likely mean that Dominik Szoboszlai will continue playing further back in the Liverpool midfield, and he delivered by notching an assist.

Nerveless as he scored his penalty.

Florian Wirtz – 7

The Germany international swiftly established strong link-up play with Ekitike, and dictated the game’s tempo, particularly in the first half.

Mohamed Salah – 4

The Egyptian superstar could not deliver his usual class and failed to frequently trouble Oliver Glasner’s backline.

Woeful penalty in the shootout.

Hugo Ekitike – 8

Liverpool could not have asked for more from the striker on debut, who produced an impressive goal at Wembley.

Cody Gakpo – 5

Similarly to Salah, Cody Gakpo could not provide much quality out wide on an afternoon when Liverpool’s best chances came through central areas.

Mac Allister saw his penalty saved (Credit: Getty)

Alexis Mac Allister – 4 (for Jones, 71)

The midfielder’s only major contribution to the match came when his spot kick was well saved by Henderson.

Wataru Endo- 5 (for Ekitike, 71)

Wataru Endo was brought on to help Slot’s men preserve their lead, but couldn’t do so.

Harvey Elliott – 4 (for Wirtz, 84)

Just like Mac Allister, Elliott had little time to influence the game in normal time and went on to miss his spot kick.

Andy Robertson – 5 (for Kerkez, 84)

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