New signing Darwin Nunez scored late on as Liverpool delivered the first psychological blow of the season on champions Manchester City by winning a thrilling Community Shield encounter.
The FA Cup winners were pipped to the Premier League title by just a single point last term, but came out on top in a tremendous game in Leicester.
Playing at the King Power Stadium rather than Wembley – which will host Sunday’s Women’s Euros final – the two sides did not hold back in a match that tends to be badged as a ‘glorified friendly’.
Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the opening goal with a curling effort from the edge of the box which took a slight deflection off Nathan Ake and nestled in the far corner of the net.
He celebrated by raising his finger to his lips in front of the City fans, who had helped generate a thunderous atmosphere.
City’s star summer signing Erling Haaland showed glimpses of what he will bring by drawing a good save from Adrian, while Nunez had a one-on-one effort kept out by Ederson.
It was another new signing – Julian Alvarez – who netted the equaliser, staying alert after Phil Foden’s shot was saved to poke home from close range, with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR check.
Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining after referee Craig Pawson adjudged – from looking at the pitchside monitor – that Ruben Dias had handled inside the area.
Nunez had the final say, stooping to head in from close range before wheeling off to celebrate in front of his new supporters.
