Henderson was the hero as Palace won the Community Shield after defeating Liverpool in a shootout
Crystal Palace triumphed over Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 in a penalty shootout to claim the Community Shield following an exciting 2-2 draw at Wembley on Sunday. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson showcased his penalty-saving prowess once again, echoing his heroics from their FA Cup final victory.
Substitute Justin Devenny converted the decisive penalty after Mohamed Salah missed the Reds’ initial attempt. Henderson, who previously saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush during Palace’s victory over Manchester City for their first major trophy in May, also denied efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott.
“They were leading 2-1, and one might assume we were finished,” Henderson remarked. “The manager mentioned that we would have opportunities in the second half … and ultimately, we earned that.”
New recruit Hugo Ekitike gave Liverpool the lead just four minutes into the match, showcasing a brilliant combination with record signing Florian Wirtz before delivering a stunning finish.
Palace rightfully equalized in the 17th minute, with Jean-Philippe Mateta deceiving Alisson from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr.
Close-season signing Jeremie Frimpong regained the lead for the Reds, as Liverpool fans commemorated the passing of Portugal forward Diogo Jota with 20 minutes played, in tribute to his shirt number, resulting in an attempted cross that deflected in off the post.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed that his team requires reinforcements to stay competitive and would likely have been worried to witness midfielder Daichi Kamada leave the field due to injury within the first thirty minutes.
The Eagles presented a challenge on the counter and remained competitive, even as Ekitike missed two good opportunities to increase Liverpool’s advantage in the initial moments of the second half.
“We might have been able to secure the third goal in the first 15 to 20 minutes after halftime, but we didn’t, which allowed them to stay in the game,” Liverpool boss Arne Slot remarked.
Palace’s England forward Eberechi Eze challenged Alisson with a low shot before the Londoners leveled the score once more with 13 minutes remaining, as Sarr calmly slotted the ball past the advancing Alisson.
Palace came close to securing a victory at the end, with Mac Allister perhaps lucky to have a VAR review for handball in the box favor him before Devenny nearly found the net in added time, as the traditional season opener proceeded to penalties.
Devenny secured the victory in the shootout with a decisive penalty, leading Palace to their third consecutive win at Wembley.
Glasner expressed his satisfaction with the squad, noting that this season’s European campaign – with Palace anticipated to learn on Monday whether it will compete in the Europa League or Conference League – will raise expectations.
He disclosed that Northern Ireland midfielder Devenny had even stepped up to take the pressure penalty. “Justin approached me and said, ‘I’ll take it, I’ll take the last one,'” the Palace manager remarked, praising the 21-year-old’s confidence.
