Ismaïla Sarr’s MOTM performance lifts Crystal Palace to Community Shield upset of Liverpool

Ismaïla Sarr started the 2025-26 season in English football the same way he ended last season with the Senegalese playing an instrumental role in Crystal Palace’s victory over Liverpool in the FA Community Shield on Sunday.

With Palace down 1-2 in the final stretch of English football’s curtain raiser, Sarr produced a fantastic finish to level the game. Running onto a defense-splitting pass from Adam Wharton, the Senegal national team star put his finish past onrushing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and in off the post.

The London club, surprise winners of the FA Cup last season, outplayed reigning Premier League champions Liverpool for long stretches and carried their momentum into the penalty shootout once the opening ninety minutes ended level at 2-2. Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister were among the players who failed to convert their spot kicks as Sarr was among the successful takers in a 3-2 penalty kick shootout victory.

Sarr appeared in every Premier League game for Crystal Palace last season and was instrumental in their FA Cup conquest, scoring three goals in five cup games. He contributed 11 goals and 7 assists in 47 appearances between league and cup action last season and will be key to Palace’s efforts to improve their Premier League standing after finishing 12th last season.

Palace begin their Premier League play next Sunday at Chelsea FC. Liverpool will play the opening match of the new league season on Friday at home against Bournemouth.