Liverpool’s unbeaten run came to an end as Crystal Palace claimed a deserved win in the 2025-26 Charity Shield clash at Wembley.
The game was not without controversy, with Mohamed Salah appearing to handle the ball in the build-up to Federico Chiesa’s goal, sparking debate across social media. In the end, it mattered little, as strikes from Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah condemned Arne Slot’s side to defeat. Defender Ibrahima Konaté endured a night to forget, giving the ball away four times, making two costly errors, and being hooked off.
Palace, on the other hand, delivered arguably their best display of the season, climbing to second in the table. Liverpool’s struggles were epitomized by Salah’s performance. Although he completed 88% of his passes and created two chances, he spent much of the match isolated on the right flank, often overlooked by teammates hesitant to release the ball quickly enough.
Slot’s tactical setup once again raised eyebrows. Salah was forced into playing safe, sideways passes rather than being the attacking outlet Liverpool rely on. The Egyptian’s influence has been under the spotlight since he signed a record-breaking contract last year, and with the Reds’ forward line reshaped, more than ever he is expected to carry the team—something he failed to do here.
Statistically, Salah’s outing was both encouraging and concerning. While he fashioned two opportunities for others, he also wasted two clear chances himself, failed with his only dribble attempt, and lost possession 11 times. His cautious passing numbers, unusually high for him, highlighted how ineffective he was in breaking down Palace’s defensive block.
With Chelsea up next, Slot faces mounting pressure to rethink his approach. Another slip could see Liverpool’s season stumble before it has truly begun.
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