Liverpool Fans Single Out Underperformer After Community Shield Defeat
Arne Slot’s reign as Liverpool boss began on a sour note as the Reds fell to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley. Goals from summer signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong were not enough to prevent a penalty shootout defeat, with Palace’s Justin Devenny firing the decisive spot-kick.
While newcomers Ekitike, Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz all impressed ahead of Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, supporters were quick to criticise one player they believe is dragging the team down.
Palace had equalised twice through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty and an Ismaila Sarr strike, forcing the match to be settled from 12 yards. But for many Liverpool fans, the real talking point wasn’t the loss itself—it was the poor display from the player they see as the squad’s weakest link. Social media was flooded with frustrated posts, with some demanding he be dropped before the league campaign begins.
The identity of that under-fire star may not have been officially addressed by Slot, but among the Anfield faithful, the verdict was damning.
“Every time he gets the ball, the attack loses momentum. He’s predictable, easy to defend against, and offers no real danger,” the fan vented.
The criticism marks a worrying trend for Gakpo, whose form has dipped noticeably since the latter part of last season. While Liverpool’s new arrivals injected pace, unpredictability, and directness into their play against Palace, the Dutchman appeared hesitant and out of sync with the high-tempo, fluid system Arne Slot is trying to implement.
With Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich still believed to be monitoring the winger’s situation, some supporters are beginning to wonder whether cashing in could be the right move—especially with the club still targeting further attacking reinforcements.
For now, Slot has given no indication that Gakpo will be dropped ahead of Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth. But after a muted performance on one of English football’s biggest stages, the 25-year-old will know he’s under pressure to deliver—and quickly.
