I was so ready for this match. New season vibes, bragging rights up for grabs, and a chance to see the lads lift the first trophy of the campaign — the Community Shield. Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace. I mean, come on, this was supposed to be ours.
For most of the game, I felt confident. The team looked sharp, lively, and full of energy. Ekitike and Frimpong were brilliant — both of them getting on the scoresheet and showing exactly why we brought them in. Palace couldn’t handle their movement at times, and the atmosphere had that buzz where you could just feel a Liverpool win coming.
But football loves to humble you. Twice we took the lead, and twice Palace clawed their way back. I really thought the second goal scored in the 20th minute, which reminds us of our dear late Diogo Jota, would seal it.
Credit where it’s due — they fought like their lives depended on it. They didn’t park the bus; they came at us. If not for some absolutely massive saves from Alisson, they could have been in front before full time. Honestly, the guy was a wall back there.
Normal time ended 2–2, and my heart started sinking. Penalty shootouts and Liverpool lately… let’s just say they don’t go well together. And yep, here we go again — another shootout, another heartbreak. Palace edged it 3–2, and that was that. A trophy gone in the blink of an eye.
Look, I know it’s “only” the Community Shield. It’s not the Premier League, it’s not the Champions League. But losing still stings. Especially when you’ve played well enough to win it in normal time. Especially when your new signings have put in such good shifts. Especially when you feel like this was ours.
Palace deserve the win — no excuses. They stayed in the fight, kept their composure, and took their chances in the shootout. This is a huge moment for them, and they’ll carry that momentum into the season. For us, it’s a wake-up call. No matter how good you look on paper, you’ve got to get the job done on the pitch.
Am I angry? A little. Am I panicking? Not at all. This team showed plenty of positives today. The link-up play, the creativity, the pressing — it’s all there. We just need to sharpen up in those decisive moments. And maybe, just maybe, start practicing penalties like our lives depend on it.
So yeah, my mood’s in the bin right now. But that’s football. One minute you’re up, the next you’re gutted. The good news? This was just the appetiser. The real season is about to begin, and if Liverpool keeps playing with this kind of energy, we’ll have plenty more to smile about.
For now, I’m just going to sit here, replay those penalties in my head, and pretend this match never happened.
