Liverpool defeated Manchester City 3-1 at the King Power Stadium to win the Community Shield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Jurgen Klopp’s team the lead after 21 minutes of strong play.
The full-back curled a shot in off the post, but Nathan Ake of City caused it to deflect noticeably.
Erling Haaland received constant attention, and the first half saw him take advantage of City’s best opportunities. He directed one shot directly at Adrian while misfiring on another.
In the second half, Pep Guardiola’s team, which has played just two pre-season games, started to exert more pressure on Adrian.
Adrian was unable to stop Phil Foden’s shot, and halfway through the second half, replacement Julian Alvarez scored to tie the score.
Foden was first deemed to be offside, but after a VAR review, the ruling was reversed, bringing the Premier League champions even.
VAR would continue to play a part in the game after that. Ruben Dias’ arm prevented Darwin Nunez from scoring with a header, and referee Craig Pawson was asked to investigate the situation.
For Dias’ irate protests, he booked Dias and gave Liverpool a penalty. Standing there, Mohamed Salah skillfully executed his spot kick.
Nunez afterwards became embroiled in the action once more.
With a late header, the 23-year-old gave Liverpool its first Community Shield victory since 2006.
Nunez started the game on the sidelines, and Klopp decided to play an experienced frontline of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Diaz.
The Uruguayan international’s £85 million price tag has drawn attention, but he has already taken steps to silence his critics.
Liverpool begins its Premier League campaign on August 6 at Fulham.
On August 7, City will go to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United.
