The main event of the Premier League trophy presentation was there in the offing, but Liverpool signed off a triumphant season with a record-equalling goal from Mohamed Salah and tears from Trent Alexander-Arnold as the spoils were shared in the Community Shield warm-up.
Ismaïla Sarr swept Crystal Palace ahead at Anfield before Liverpool, who had Ryan Gravenberch sent off, levelled through Salah’s 29th league goal of the campaign with five minutes remaining.
Anfield was in party mode and Palace’s early breakthrough barely made a dent in the celebrations. Oliver Glasner’s team gave the Premier League champions a guard of honour before kick off and, in a nice touch, Liverpool got to the end of the line and formed one of their own for the FA Cup winners. They will meet again in the Community Shield on 9 August.
Jürgen Klopp was in the stands for the first time since leaving Liverpool 12 months ago. Another former Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez, was also in attendance 20 years to the day since Istanbul. Liverpool’s captain on that unforgettable night, Steven Gerrard, was here for the presentation ceremony too along with the club’s principal owner, John W Henry, and chairman Tom Werner.
The positivity extended to the reception afforded Alexander-Arnold. There were more cheers than boos for the departing Liverpool vice-captain when his name was announced before kick-off and he was warmly applauded when warming up and when replacing Conor Bradley at the start of the second half. He broke down in tears after the final whistle sounded on his outstanding Liverpool career.
The contest itself seemed incidental. Slot’s side were badly exposed when Bradley’s attempt to find Salah was intercepted by Tyrick Mitchell, who turned and found Sarr completely unmarked outside the Liverpool area. Virgil van Dijk was stationed at left back when Bradley played his pass and by the time he recovered ground Sarr had slotted a cool finish beyond Alisson.
Salah needed one goal or assist to equal the Premier League record of 47 goal involvements in a season, set by Andy Cole in 1993/94 and equalled by Alan Shearer the following season, and almost got the latter with a lovely ball into Luis Díaz. The Colombia international shot first time on the turn but his effort clipped Dean Henderson’s heel and deflected wide. Díaz also headed Gravenberch’s cross over from close range and curled another effort just wide.
Jean-Philippe Mateta had a goal disallowed for offside and also hit the crossbar from an offside position after Wembley hero Eberechi Eze had weaved his way across the Liverpool defence.
Alexander-Arnold gave Anfield a reminder of what they will miss when releasing fellow substitute Darwin Núñez with a glorious pass. Henderson was off his line quickly to smother the striker’s shot.
Liverpool’s chances of recovery appeared to recede moments later when Gravenberch, dropped into central defence as Slot threw on his attacking options, mis-controlled a high ball and felled Daichi Kamada as he attempted to make amends. Gravenberch had already been booked for diving in the Palace box but was shown a straight red for denying the midfielder a clear goalscoring opportunity. He will serve a one-match suspension at the start of next season.
But Liverpool, and Salah, would not be denied. The Egypt international had a penalty appeal dismissed when his shot struck Maxence Lacroix’s arm, although the defender’s arm was tucked in. His moment arrived with five minutes to play. Palace failed to clear their lines and when Núñez crossed to the far post Cody Gakpo headed back across goal towards the lurking Salah. Liverpool’s leading goalscorer fired in from close range via a deflection off Lacroix for his 34th goal in all competitions this season. He rightly milked the acclaim of the Kop, before Liverpool geared up for the trophy lift.
