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Liverpool are winners of the Community Shield for the first time in 16 years after a debut goal from Darwin Nunez sealed a 3-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the King Power Stadium in Leicester .
In a contest worthy of the intense rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City last season, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s sides produced an enthralling game as newcomers Erling Haaland and Núñez made their first competitive starts after big moves from money this summer.
Liverpool were sharp in the opening exchanges with Mohamed Salah threatening down the right, but it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who put them ahead in the 21st minute when the right-back’s shot deflected off Nathan Ake.
Haaland had a couple of chances before the break, the best of which when he headed home Joao Cancelo’s cross, but it was fellow signing Julian Alvarez who equalized for City after a lengthy VAR review.
Núñez also had chances to open his account, but the Uruguayan striker was involved in the decisive final penalty as his header was blocked by the outstretched arm of Rubén Dias. Salah converted to restore Liverpool’s lead before Nunez added a third to seal it as Klopp added a Community Shield to his trophy case at Anfield.
Haaland had an afternoon to forget after a late miss from six yards as Liverpool avenged two previous Community Shield defeats in 2019 and 2020. Follow live reaction from the Community Shield final, then:
Liverpool vs Man City: Community Shield Final Updates
Show latest update 1659205362
Darwin Nunez helps Liverpool to Community Shield glory over Manchester City
Jurgen Klopp could have tried to avoid a stunning penalty shootout, an immediate comparison between two attacking signings. He delayed Darwin Núñez’s debut, holding him back while Erling Haaland started at Manchester City. However, the Uruguayan ended his Liverpool FC bow after opening his account, making an explosive impact and winning the Community Shield. It was quite a beginning.
His 40 minutes of menace outstripped Haaland’s 90 of helplessness, capped by a flagrant foul in stoppage time. He clipped the crossbar but, with the goal open, his 14th touch of the game was his worst.
Report from Richard Jolly at the King Power Stadium:
Darwin Nunez helps Liverpool to Community Shield glory over Manchester City
Liverpool 3-1 Man City: Nunez’s late goal sealed victory for the Reds as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah also scored
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 7:22 pm
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FULL TIME! Liverpool 3-1 Man City
As Liverpool collect their medals, Trent Alexander-Arnold is delighted with the win. Some might question the importance of the Community Shield, but the right-back says Liverpool were motivated after previous defeats in 2019 and 2020.
“Our season started today,” he tells ITV. “It was important to get off on the right foot. [On Darwin Nunez] He won the pen, scored the goal. It has a lively look. They brought him to score goals. He’s willing to learn and has bonded well with the boys.”
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 7:15 pm
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FULL TIME! Liverpool 3-1 Man City
But just as Liverpool fans shouldn’t get carried away with Núñez, rival fans shouldn’t read too much into Haaland’s debut.
And it’s especially when this clip will be circulating on social media until the start of the Premier League next weekend…
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 7:10 pm
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FULL TIME! Liverpool 3-1 Man City
That was the moment that sealed it. Even before that, Núñez had linked up well with Liverpool’s attack.
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 7:09 pm
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FULL TIME! Liverpool 3-1 Man City
Liverpool win the Community Shield!
The Reds won the trophy for the first time since 2006 after a brilliant performance against Manchester City, who had equalized through Julian Alvarez late on.
But it’s Liverpool’s day, and Darwin Núñez will be talked about after his late goal. It wasn’t meant to be for Erling Haaland,
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 7:01 pm
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Liverpool 3-1 Man City
90+6 minutes: what a foul from Haaland!
Adrian clears the ball but shoots from six yards!
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 6:59 p.m
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GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Man City (NUNEZ 93′)
Darwin Nunez closes the Liverpool Community Shield on his debut!
It’s a lovely move from Liverpool and finished by the striker as he drops to head Robertson’s cross into the net.
An instinctive finish and he takes his shirt off to celebrate in front of the Liverpool fans!
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 6:54 pm
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Liverpool 2-1 Man City
92 min: Haaland has the ball in the net! But the center from the left had been caught offside before Foden’s cut-back.
Guardiola walks on the sidelines.
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 6:54 pm
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Liverpool 2-1 Man City
90 minutes: This isn’t over yet. There will be seven added minutes!
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 6:52 p.m
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Liverpool 2-1 Man City
86 min: Close! Almost a brilliant header from Núñez, who rises between Haaland and Dias, but his glancing effort goes wide. He turned a decent cross from Milner into a good chance.
Then Robertson lights up.
Jamie Braidwood July 30, 2022 6:49 p.m