Crystal Palace began the new season riding a wave of momentum and silverware, spectacularly clinching the Community Shield by defeating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw at Wembley.
The FA Cup holders, who only lifted their first major trophy three months ago, are now celebrating a remarkable double triumph — and their fearless performance proved that last season’s glory was no fluke.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, while Mohamed Salah sent his effort high over the bar. That left 21-year-old Justin Devenny, a stoppage-time substitute, to smash home the winning spot-kick past Alisson with unflinching composure.
“We’ve shown the world we’re not just here to make up the numbers — we’re here to win,” said Palace captain Marc Guehi after the dramatic victory.
This victory means Palace are the first team in half a century to win the Community Shield on their debut in the competition — the last being Derby County in 1975.
The drama began in just the fourth minute when Liverpool’s £116m record signing Florian Wirtz fed Hugo Ekitike, who turned sharply and fired a low shot past Henderson. But Palace, undeterred, struck back on 17 minutes when Jean-Philippe Mateta calmly converted from the spot after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr.
Liverpool regained the lead in style as new right-back Jeremie Frimpong weaved into the box and chipped the ball off the far post and in — a moment of flair that felt even more poignant as fans honoured the late Diogo Jota in the 20th minute.
Ekitike missed two golden chances to extend Liverpool’s lead after the break, and Palace punished the wastefulness. Sarr timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and finish clinically in off the post, levelling the score once again.
A late handball appeal against Mac Allister was waved away by VAR before Devenny almost snatched the winner in normal time, but the true drama was reserved for the penalty shootout.
Palace’s resilience was a mirror image of their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City earlier this year. Manager Oliver Glasner named the same starting XI from that famous win, and once again his players refused to be overawed by the occasion.
While there were moments of defensive hesitation early on, captain Marc Guehi’s leadership kept the side together, and Henderson’s reflexes turned the tide when it mattered most.
For Liverpool, the occasion carried heavy emotional weight — their first competitive match since the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The pre-match tributes were heartfelt, but as the game wore on, it was clear that this was still a team adjusting to new arrivals and the emotional toll of recent events.
Frimpong’s goal and Ekitike’s early strike hinted at promise under new boss Arne Slot, but defensive lapses and missed chances left the door open for Palace’s late fightback.
Palace now await a key decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport on their appeal against Europa League demotion, but Glasner’s side are proving they can stand toe-to-toe with England’s elite regardless of the competition.
As Guehi summed up: “Every time we step out on that pitch, we believe we can win. That’s not arrogance — it’s belief, and it’s earned.”
With back-to-back Wembley victories, a growing squad brimming with talent, and a fearless mentality, Crystal Palace are no longer outsiders — they’re genuine contenders.
