Liverpool fans gave their thoughts on social media as Mohamed Salah endured a torrid afternoon during the Reds’ FA Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Crystal Palace Edge Liverpool on Penalties After 2-2 Draw in Community Shield
The 2025–26 season kicked off with an entertaining Community Shield clash at Wembley, where Crystal Palace beat Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Liverpool struck early through debutant Hugo Ekitike, who scored just four minutes in. Palace responded on 17 minutes when Jean-Philippe Mateta coolly converted from the spot, but the Reds regained their advantage shortly after via a fortunate finish from Jeremie Frimpong.
Palace refused to fade, and Ismaïla Sarr levelled the match again with 13 minutes remaining. Both sides had their chances late on, but the contest was ultimately decided from the spot, with the Eagles prevailing.
New signings Florian Wirtz and Ekitike were under the spotlight before kick-off, and both delivered performances that gave Liverpool fans plenty to be excited about despite the defeat.
Salah Faces Criticism After Quiet Community Shield Display
Mohamed Salah came under fire from some Liverpool supporters after a subdued performance in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace. The forward struggled to make an impact in the Wembley heat, with several fans voicing concerns about his influence heading into the new season.
One supporter remarked that Jeremie Frimpong brought a different dynamic to the attack but suggested Salah’s output may decline without Trent Alexander-Arnold supplying him. Another urged Liverpool’s hierarchy to consider signing a pacey winger, noting that both Salah and Cody Gakpo lack the speed to consistently trouble defences.
Other comments ranged from predictions that Salah would be less central to Liverpool’s title charge, to claims that he could no longer deflect blame for poor performances onto former teammates Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz. One fan even suggested the Egyptian had effectively been reduced to a “decoy” for Frimpong’s forward runs.
Salah’s frustrating afternoon ended with a booking for dragging back Eberechi Eze in the 86th minute, followed by a missed penalty in the shootout. He will be eager to make amends when Liverpool open their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on Friday, 15 August.
