Liverpool won the 2022 Community Shield on Saturday after a 3-1 win over Manchester City in Leicester, in what is seen as the season’s traditional curtain raiser.
Th Reds were the better side for most of the evening and started the game on top, producing half chances from Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, who both hit the side netting with respective efforts. The same outcome befell Kevin De Bruyne’s early strike that took a nick off Virgil van Dijk’s outstretched leg.
It took until the 21st minute for the game’s opener, when Trent Alexander-Arnold curled in an effort from the edge of the box following some neat and patient build-up play from the Reds.
The defender’s shot may have been destined for the back of the net, but it was certainly aided by a flick of Nathan Ake’s head as he attempted to clear the ball.
City did pick up after the goal, with De Bruyne again hitting the side netting before Erling Haaland saw his first effort on target in a sky blue shirt held by Adrian.
The Norwegian failed to get a touch on a decent cross soon after, while Riyad Mahrez’s tame header then landed in Adrian’s arms.
The Liverpool stopper was called on again before the end of the half to keep out a side-footed effort from Mahrez.
It was the former Leicester City winger who created the opening chance of the second period, but again the hands of Adrian thwarted him.
Darwin Nunez was introduced just before the hour and forced Ederson to come flying out of his goal and stop a one-on-one chance that he actually saved with his face.
But for all Liverpool’s time on top, City found a way back into the game via another debutant, Julian Alvarez.
The young Argentinian poked the ball into the back of the net after Phil Foden’s effort was initially saved by Adrian. The goal was originally flagged offside, but after a lengthy VAR pause, Foden was ruled to be level in the build up.
With nine minutes of normal time remaining, Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Nunez’s header struck the arm of Ruben Dias, with Craig Pawson pointing to the spot after checking his pitchside monitor.
Salah was the man who stepped up and powerfully slotted it into the bottom right corner.
Nunez then flashed a header wide and Roberston shot over, before the former marked his impressive Liverpool debut with a goal, as he stooped inside the six-yard box to head in a cross.
Foden had an injury-time effort saved by Adrian, while an offside Haaland followed in to blaze over.
Here’s how we rated the players…
It took until the 21st minute for the game’s opener, when Trent Alexander-Arnold curled in an effort from the edge of the box following some neat and patient build-up play from the Reds.
13. Julian Alvarez- 7 (on 58)
Looked sharp after his introduction and took his goal well. The youngster also tried to make runs in behind the Liverpool defence.
14. Ilkay Gundogan- 5 (on 73)
Was tough for him to get involved in the midst of such a fast-paced match.
15. Liverpool player ratings
Adrian 6; Alexander-Arnold 7 (Milner 74; 6), Matip 7, Van Dijk 7, Robertson 6, Fabinho 6, Henderson 7 (Elliot 74; 5), Thiago 8 (Keita 84); Salah 8 (Jones 90+4), Firmino 6 (Nunez 59; 8), Diaz 8 (Carvalho 90).
16. Man of the match
Salah just gets it for his involvement in all three goals, although Thiago was also brilliant for Liverpool. The Egyptian caused Cancelo problems all evening, and Salah also combined well with his attacking team-mates.