Liverpool are the winners of the Community Shield for the first time in 16 years after a debut goal from Darwin Nunez wrapped up a 3-1 win over the Premier League champions Manchester City at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
In a contest befitting of Liverpool and Manchester City’s intense rivalry last season, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s teams produced a compelling match as new arrivals Erling Haaland and Nunez made their first competitive outings following big-money moves this summer.
Liverpool were sharp in the opening exchanges with Mohamed Salah threatening on the right wing, but it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who fired them ahead on 21 minutes as the right-back’s shot deflected off Nathan Ake.
Haaland had a couple of chances before the break, the best of which when he stretched for Joao Cancelo’s cross, but it was the other new signing Julian Alvarez who equalised for City after a lengthy VAR review.
Nunez also had chances to open his account but the Uruguay striker was involved in the decisive late penalty, as his header was blocked by Ruben Dias’ outstretched arm. Salah converted to restore Liverpool’s lead before Nunez added a late third to seal it, as Klopp added a Community Shield to his trophy haul at Anfield.
Haaland had an afternoon to forget after a late miss from six yards, as Liverpool gained revenge from two previous defeats in the Community Shield in 2019 and 2020. Follow live reaction from the Community Shield final, below:
