Liverpool FC has kicked off the 2022/2023 season with silverware, thanks to goals from Trent Alexander Arnold, Mohamed Salah and new signing, Darwin Nunez.
The FA Cup winners defeated the Premier League winners; Manchester City FC by 3 goals to 1 to take home the 2022 Community Shield.
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In the season opener match, Liverpool FC fielded it’s strongest squad, but with a notable absence of Sadio Mane that had switched the red of Liverpool for the red of Bayern Munich.
In goal was Adrian, stepping in to the injured Allison, with the regular four backline of Alexander Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk and Robertson. In midfield were Fabinho, Henderson and Tiago, while the attack was spearheaded by the Trio of Luiz Diaz, Mo Salah and Firmino.
Manchester City FC equally put out a strong team, with the attack being led by the prolific goal scorer Haaland, the new arrival from Borrussia Dortmund.
Ederson was in goal for the Citizens, with Walker, Dias, Nathan Ake and Cancelo standing in defence, Rodrigo, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bryune was in the midfield, while Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish flanked the point striker, Haaland.
The game at Leicester City’s home tuff, the King Power Stadium saw City holding a greater share of the possession, while Liverpool won the day with 3 goals to 1.
Trent Alexander Arnold opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a right footed shot that took a deflection, having received a pass from Mo Salah.
Man City’s new signing, Julian Alvarez who was introduced in 58th minute to replace Riyad Mahrez, scored the equaliser in the 70th minute. Head reacted quicker to a loose ball that followed Kevin De Bryune’s cross into the box.
Mohamed Salah restored Liverpool’s lead from the penalty spot, after VAR check had the referee award a penalty to Liverpool. Ruben Dias handball resulted in a penalty, which Salah put away with the left foot.
Liverpool’s new striker, Darwin Nunez who came on in the 59th minute for Roberto Firmino, headed in the 3rd goal in the 4th minute of injury time. A cross from Mo Salah was headed towards the striker by Robertson, and the striker headed it into the City goal.
The win gave Liverpool it’s 16 community shield and the first since 2017.
They now tie with Arsenal at 16 shields, 5 behind Manchester United with 21.
The 2021 community shield was won by Leicester City FC.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
