Mueez Ajao
– Summer signing Darwin Nunez sealed victory as Liverpool landed the first blow of the season on champions Manchester City by winning a thrilling Community Shield encounter.
– The FA Cup winners were pipped to the Premier League title by a single point last term after a season-long fight with City, but came out on top in a tremendous game in Leicester.
– Playing at the King Power Stadium rather than Wembley – which will host Sunday’s Women’s Euros final – the two sides did not hold back in a match that tends to be badged as a ‘glorified friendly’.
Also Read: Nunez scores four as Liverpool thrash Leipzig
– Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the opening goal with a curling effort from the edge of the box which took a slight deflection off Nathan Ake and nestled in the far corner.
– He celebrated by raising his finger to his lips in front of the City supporters, who had helped generate a thunderous atmosphere by trading jibes with their Liverpool counterparts.
– City’s star summer signing Erling Haaland showed glimpses of what he will bring by drawing a good save from Adrian, while Nunez had a one-on-one effort kept out by Ederson.
– But it was another newcomer – Julian Alvarez – who scored next, staying alert after Phil Foden’s shot was saved to poke home the equaliser from close range, with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR check.
– Mohamed Salah edged Liverpool back in front by scoring from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining after referee Craig Pawson adjudged – from looking at the pitchside monitor – that Ruben Dias had handled inside the area.
– And Nunez had the final say, stooping to head in from close range before wheeling off to celebrate in front of his new supporters.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
90+4' – Salah's cross is headed down into the ground by Robertson and Nunez heads in!
[3-1]#CommunityShield https://t.co/7UCmE5HTd2
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
Starting the season with silverware, thanks to goals from @TrentAA, @MoSalah and @Darwinn99 🏆#CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/0fldUoYwzo
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
Our Egyptian King 🥰 pic.twitter.com/U0oMl5FboF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
The best possible start ahead of the Premier League season 💪 pic.twitter.com/JHy4Iqe5oU
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
I’m so glad…❤
Adding the #CommunityShield to his collection of trophies as Reds boss 😁 pic.twitter.com/tnUT0SiCEE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
Plenty of smiles after our #CommunityShield success! pic.twitter.com/BoOgUrazRx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
🏆 @VirgilvDijk x @MoSalah 🏆 pic.twitter.com/aGDNR2WuBX
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
We’re Ready. 🤫 See you next week Reds 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5fhBWPGeoD
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) July 30, 2022
🗣 "Everything, I liked the whole game. We are that early [in the season], I like the problems we have in a game, especially when you win."
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
One kiss is all it takes 😘 pic.twitter.com/UaQ7QYq185
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022
Bring on the season! 😃 pic.twitter.com/VvRlPEvPOY
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) July 30, 2022
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) July 30, 2022
First official goal at @LFC 🫶🏼
And first trophy 😜 pic.twitter.com/Tkp8U6I0QW
— Darwin Núñez (@Darwinn99) July 30, 2022
WELL IN, REDS 🙌🔴
2022 #CommunityShield winners 😁 pic.twitter.com/NKQkfSRZva
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2022