Manchester City claim Community Shield with shoot-out victory over Liverpool

Posted Monday, August 05, 2019 by PA

Manchester City edged out last season’s title rivals Liverpool 5-4 on penalties to open the new domestic campaign with victory in the Community Shield.

The two teams were separated by just one point in the Premier League last term and it took a shoot-out to split them in the season opener at Wembley as it was 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made the decisive intervention, saving Liverpool’s second penalty from Georginio Wijnaldum.

City had led for most of normal time after former Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling scored against his old club for the first time in the 12th minute.

#CommunityShield defended 🏆
🔵 #mancity pic.twitter.com/gHSMDEZbXu
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2019

Champions League winners Liverpool responded well and went close several times before substitute Joel Matip levelled 13 minutes from time.

Jurgen Klopp’s men almost snatched victory in the dying seconds but Kyle Walker made a dramatic goal-line clearance from Mohamed Salah, who did everything but score in a hard-working display.

The game was a fine contest between two well-matched sides, despite both having players undercooked due to limited pre-season preparations. Liverpool hurried Roberto Firmino and Salah back into their side despite them only returning to training this week and Sadio Mane was unavailable.

City handed a debut to record signing Rodri but record goalscorer Sergio Aguero was on the bench.