Liverpool lost the Community Shield on penalties, but there was one inescapable area in need of improving, and it’s not the first time it’s been mentioned this pre-season.
Arne Slot‘s men were twice in the lead against Crystal Palace but twice pegged back after questionable defensive choices and set ups, before going on to lose in a shootout.
Liverpool looked in control and full of attacking flair as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz showed exciting early signs of connection.
By contrast, there was glaring holes at the other end of the pitch and a vulnerability that fans could not ignore, despite the injection of talent at the opposite end.
As per FotMob, Liverpool allowed 14 shots on their goal – more than their 12 – and conceded 1.95 expected goals, compared to the 1.08 they created across the 90 minutes.
With the Reds’ next match signalling the start of their Premier League title defence, there remains an obvious area in need of improvement.
Different shape in midfield means different reference points for full backs. Thought LFC struggled with that today. Shape wasn’t good and didn’t maintain purposeful possession enough to force Palace deeper and deny transition play
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) August 10, 2025
Again! https://t.co/pnHaTcFDhN
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 10, 2025
Love the signings of Frimpong and Kerkez but they leave us so exposed at the back. Palace look like they will score in every attack.
— Redman (@GroundhogRedman) August 10, 2025
Still plenty of work to do. Isak, a CB and a winger needed
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) August 10, 2025
This is exactly why we need a proper holding midfielder like Adam Wharton, we need that position filling more than we need Isak.
— Stu (@CerealKillerStu) August 10, 2025
There's no trophy to be won if we continue to defend like this. This is absolutely bullshit
— LFC NEWS (@LFCTransferNRS) August 10, 2025
Van Dijk has had a nightmare here, Konates contract is absolutely crucial and we another CB to compete with them.
— Barry LFC O Sullivan (@NotoriousLFC) August 10, 2025
“Both good and bad, really.
“As good as we are able to play one touch football that quick and slick, to as bad as so vulnerable on the back(especially on the second half).
“More things to work on, but a bigger fish to catch when the season starts.” – Be HD in TIA comments.
“Work to be done still in training, especially in getting the new fullbacks in line with the centre backs if stepping up for offside.” – Kevin Lowden on Facebook.
Virgil stepping out when he doesn't need to. Defense needs work
— Glenn ? (@GlennLFC08) August 10, 2025
I want another CB too, but another CB wouldn't have helped in situations like today where we'd have had the same 2 CBs starting anyway. It's more about how we defend as a team https://t.co/pOt1UQgwvf
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) August 10, 2025
It's not just a DM. Liverpool's defensive shape is not great. Needs some fixing.
— Kay (@The_KYLN) August 10, 2025
Okay so defensive work and penalty practice.
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) August 10, 2025
There will be no hangover when it comes to the feeling of losing the Community Shield, but Slot and the club will know there is still work to do on the training pitch and the transfer market.
With new signings to bed in, and the expectation that more are to come, growing pains are expected, especially in defence, but there is still a lot to like about this iteration of Liverpool.
The true test comes on Friday against Bournemouth and then against Newcastle, that is when we can expect to start seeing the desired changes.
And at least we don’t have to navigate the Community Shield jinx, which has seen only one of the previous 14 winners go on to win the Premier League that season!
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