Henderson-inspired Crystal Palace edge Liverpool 5-4 in Community Shield thriller

The 2025 Community Shield at Wembley served up a thrilling spectacle as Crystal Palace edged past Liverpool 5-4 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw in regular time.

This pulsating encounter was packed with drama, individual brilliance, and unexpected twists, ultimately handing the debutant Eagles a landmark victory.

Beyond the on-pitch heroics, the match also featured subtle battles, from standout debut performances to a kit rivalry that Palace clearly won, much to the delight of their fans.

Here are five key takeaways from this unforgettable curtain-raiser:

Liverpool’s £90 million signing from the Bundesliga this summer wasted no time announcing himself on the big stage.

Just four minutes in, Ekitike demonstrated his clinical instincts to open the scoring, making it clear he’s a worthy successor to Darwin Nunez and a marquee forward to watch this season.

It was a day for fresh faces at for the Anfield giants at Wembley, with Florian Wirtz and Jeremy Frimpong joining Ekitike in making their competitive Liverpool debuts.

Wirtz’s vision unlocked Palace’s defence for the opener, scored by Ekitike, while Frimpong’s exquisite looping finish restored Liverpool’s lead before halftime - a glimpse of what the new-look Reds can offer going forward.

While the on-field battle was electric, off it the kit battle was just as captivating. Palace’s classic home kit, featuring refined red and blue stripes paying homage to the club’s heritage, caught everyone’s eye, including this writer’s.

The bold design looked even better in the sweat-soaked intensity, earning Palace the unofficial victory in the style stakes.

Liverpool fans may have dreamt about the Shield, but Palace certainly claimed more than fashion bragging rights in the end.

Tipped as a potential match-winner, Salah instead endured a frustrating outing for Arne Slot champions at Wembley.

The Egyptian maestro struggled for influence, failing to create a single chance or key pass and registering just one shot on goal.

His evening’s misfortune culminated in a shocking penalty shootout miss, which ultimately tilted the scales in Palace’s favour.

By lifting the trophy, Palace became the first debutants to win the Community Shield since Nottingham Forest in 1978 - an astonishing 50 years ago.

Twice they rallied from behind, buoyed by a dominant second-half display highlighted by a fantastic equaliser from Ismaïla Sarr.

Dean Henderson’s heroics in the penalty shootout sealed a historic triumph and set a confident tone for the Eagles’ upcoming season.

This Community Shield was a perfect blend of drama, emerging stars, and historic achievements, reminding fans why football’s curtain-raiser remains a cherished tradition.

With Palace’s breakthrough and Liverpool’s renewed lineup, the season ahead promises plenty of excitement.