Liverpool head coach Arne Slot may rue one key decision as his side slipped to a penalty shootout defeat against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
Hugo Ekitike enjoyed a fast start to his Liverpool career by scoring a goal with his fourth touch to give the Reds an early lead in the Community Shield.
Liverpool looked on course to take home the silverware until deep into the second half when Jeremie Frimpong re-established their advantage after Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised from the penalty spot for Crystal Palace.
However, Palace grew into the game in the second half as Arne Slot made a number of substitutions. But the decision to withdraw Curtis Jones was arguably the most costly, as the Reds lost their control in the centre of the pitch.
Curtis Jones looks on during Crystal Palace v Liverpool in the 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Curtis Jones shines in midfield for Liverpool
Liverpool were forced to reshuffle their midfield at the last moment following Ryan Gravenberch’s late withdrawal, and Curtis Jones answered the call with an impressive display at Wembley.
Jones played a total of 71 minutes in the middle of the park for Arne Slot’s side, and he was metronomic in possession.
Curtis Jones vs Crystal Palace Total
Minutes Played 71
Total Passes 53
Pass Accuracy 100%
Touches 58
Interceptions 1
Recoveries 1
Stats from FotMob
The Liverpool academy product made 53 passes at an incredible 100% accuracy rate, alongside his 58 touches. Jones was also solid in defence for the Reds, winning two ground duels, one aerial duel and recovering the ball once.
When he was substituted, Adam Wharton was able to regain control of the ball and lay on a crucial assist for Ismaila Sarr to equalise. Ultimately, Slot’s substitution proved costly in the closing stages.
Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong and Curtis Jones celebrate a goal duing Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Unsung hero could be set for Premier League run
After his impressive performance in the Community Shield, Jones could be set for a longer run in Liverpool’s midfield.
Whilst Gravenberch will not be ruled out for a long period of time, following the birth of his child, he will miss the first game of the season after receiving a red card at the end of last season.
Slot chose to partner Jones with Dominik Szoboszlai at Wembley and also have Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister available, with both appearing from the bench at Wembley, although Elliott could be set to depart in the coming days.
However, after his quietly effective performance in the season’s curtain-raiser, Jones made a strong case to start in Gravenberch’s absence in the first game of the season, as the Reds look to bounce back from a damaging defeat.