Man of the Match: Alisson Becker Impresses Despite Liverpool's Defeat to Crystal Palace

Yahoo

3 days ago

Liverpool 2 – 2 Crystal Palace – Community Shield Man of the Match
The 2025 Community Shield promised an early-season test for Liverpool, and it delivered in full. In a game that swung from end to end at Wembley, Arne Slot's Premier League champions found themselves matched stride for stride by Oliver Glasner's spirited FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace.
By the time the final whistle blew on a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, one man's performance towered above the rest — Alisson Becker. The giant Brazilian had to be at his commanding best in a contest where Palace's front line carried a constant threat.
Inside the opening exchanges, Alisson's sharpness was called upon when Mateta slipped in behind Liverpool's defence. Bearing down on goal, the Palace striker looked certain to score, but the Reds' No. 1 spread himself wide, smothering the ball with the kind of composure and timing that has defined his Anfield career. It was a statement intervention, yet Palace's persistence would soon find a reward.
Midway through the half, a clumsy foul in the Liverpool box handed Mateta the chance from the spot. His penalty was struck cleanly into the bottom corner, beyond even Alisson's reach. While the scoreline was levelled at 1-1, there was little more the keeper could have done.
Heroics Under Pressure and an Unmoved Composure
The second half brought no let-up in intensity. Liverpool had edged ahead before the break through a well-crafted move, but Palace were never out of the game. They continued to probe, and on more than one occasion Alisson was the difference between parity and a Liverpool lead.
The standout moment came when Eze once again found space, this time receiving the ball just inside the area and firing low towards the near post. Alisson's reaction was instant — a full-length spread to his left, pushing the ball away from the net with his feet. It was the sort of save that doesn't just prevent a goal but changes the rhythm of a match, or so we hoped.
Yet, even the best can be left exposed. Palace's second equaliser was the product of quick interplay and a lapse in Liverpool's defensive shape, leaving Alisson with little chance as Ismaila Sarr's close-range finish found the net. It was a frustrating moment for the keeper, who had marshalled his back line relentlessly throughout.
As the match moved to penalties, all eyes should have turned once more to Liverpool's No. 1. His assured presence alone seemed to give his teammates belief, even before a spot kick was taken. While the shootout would ultimately decide the shield's destination, Alisson's display over the 90 minutes had already underlined his enduring value to this Liverpool side.
Steven Smith's Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 0 Crystal Palace