Crystal Palace claimed the Community Shield by defeating Premier League champions Liverpool 3–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw at Wembley on 10 August. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who had notes on Liverpool’s takers taped to his water bottle, saved spot-kicks from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott to secure the club’s second trophy of 2025. Liverpool’s first goal of the season came when new signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combined inside four minutes, but Arne Slot’s side twice surrendered the lead before the shoot-out. Pre-match proceedings were dominated by tributes to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, killed in a car accident last month. Floral wreaths, a “Forever 20” shirt inscription and a planned minute’s silence formed part of the homage, yet the referee curtailed the silence after audible interruptions from a section of Palace supporters. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk labelled the behaviour “disappointing,” while Crystal Palace said it would “name and shame” those responsible. Slot insisted he detected no malice but acknowledged the incident overshadowed the occasion. Hours after lifting the Shield, Palace chairman Steve Parish conceded the club may sell captain Marc Guehi during the remaining three weeks of the transfer window. The England centre-back has entered the final year of his contract, and Parish said, “For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it’s a problem … it needs a new contract or a conclusion.” Liverpool, who have struggled defensively in pre-season, have been monitoring the 25-year-old after a January bid from Newcastle was rebuffed at about £65 million. Liverpool have spent roughly £260-£350 million this summer on Wirtz, Ekitike, full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and remain in the market for another forward after the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez. Slot admitted the back line “needs adjustment” before the champions host Bournemouth in their league opener on 16 August.