Liverpool player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Hugo Ekitike stars with Mohamed Salah quiet in Community Shield | OneFootball

Premier League champions defeated on spot-kicks as new recruits outshine old heads

Liverpool fell to defeat in the Community Shield as Crystal Palace won on penalties after an entertaining clash finished 2-2 at Wembley.

Liverpool had chances to extend their lead, most notably through Ekitike, and the wastefulness proved costly as Ismaila Sarr’s finish sent the match to the spot.

Mohamed Salah blasted over before Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott had their spot-kicks saved, with Palace winning the shootout 3-2.

Here’s how Standard Sport rated the Liverpool players at Wembley...

Alisson 8

Did superbly to deny Mateta when the striker was clean through. Strong hand to keep out an Eze strike in second half and then tipped his penalty onto the post.

Jeremie Frimpong 7

Obvious threat in attack with his energetic bursts. Attempted cross floated perfectly over Henderson for his first Liverpool goal.

Virgil van Dijk 5

Rash in sticking a foot out to bring down Sarr and then out of position for Palace’s second goal. Unusually shaky display from the Liverpool captain.

Poor performance: Virgil van Dijk

The FA via Getty Images

Ibrahima Konate 6

More composed than Van Dijk but still booked for a lunge to bring down Mateta on the halfway line. Centre-backs did not look comfortable all match.

Milos Kerkez 7

Had limited opportunities to contribute in the final third but one late burst brilliantly set up a chance for Salah.

Dominik Szoboszlai 7

Several lovely diagonal passes out to Frimpong and his influence grew in attack after the break. Best of the Liverpool penalties in the shootout but that was a low bar.

Curtis Jones 6

Nothing fancy but kept things ticking over in midfield. Tracked back well to stop an Eze counter early in second half.

Florian Wirtz 7

Promising signs of an exciting partnership with Ekitike already forming. Moves so confidently with the ball. Blazed over only real clear sight of goal.

Mohamed Salah 4

Largely anonymous showing from the Egyptian who looked off the pace. Fired only chance straight at Dean Henderson late in the match and then booked for stopping a counter. Hammered penalty over the bar.

Off colour: Mohamed Salah

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Cody Gakpo 6

Direct, powerful running on the left wing, but should have done more when leading a six-on-two counter in the first half. Confident in shootout.

Hugo Ekitike 8

A clear statement made amid all the talk of Alexander Isak. Finished brilliant for early goal and link-up play was superb throughout. Had more than one big chance to double his tally but could not take.

Substitutes

Wataru Endo (Jones 71’) 6

Largely went under the radar, as ever, when brought on to shore things up.

Alexis Mac Allister (Ekitike 71’) 5

Perhaps fortunate to not give away a penalty for handball as he challenged Sarr. Spot-kick saved in shootout.

Harvey Elliott (Wirtz 84’) 6

Bright cameo, setting team-mates away on the counter on more than one occasion. Tame penalty comfortably saved by Henderson.

Andy Robertson (Kerkez 84’) 6

Dangerous cross nearly picked out Salah in stoppage-time.