The time stamp of Frimpong’s shot to give him his first Liverpool goal 

Wembley Stadium was the perfect setting for Liverpool’s latest chapter in their ongoing evolution under Arne Slot. It was a Community Shield final that promised excitement, and it wasted no time delivering. The clash against Crystal Palace had everything: new signings making an instant impact, unexpected twists, and a debut goal that will be remembered by fans for years.

The opening whistle had barely faded when Liverpool announced their intent. In just the fourth minute, Hugo Ekitike — one of the summer’s most talked-about arrivals — struck gold. Florian Wirtz, already being tipped as the creative heartbeat of Slot’s new system, delivered a precise assist that split Palace’s defensive line. Ekitike, calm under pressure, slotted the ball home with the confidence of a player who looked born to wear Liverpool red. It was the dream start both debutants would have hoped for.

Crystal Palace, however, were not there to play the role of spectators. Their response came swiftly. In the 17th minute, Jean-Philippe Mateta drew his side level from the penalty spot. The French striker’s cool finish past Liverpool’s keeper was followed by a fiery celebration — one that included booting the corner flag in a moment that instantly went viral on social media. It was a reminder that this match was not going to be a one-sided affair.

Then came the moment Liverpool fans will cherish: the 21st minute, and Jeremie Frimpong’s introduction to the club’s goal-scoring records. On his competitive debut, the Dutch full-back surged forward with electrifying pace, exchanging passes in a slick move before unleashing a thunderous shot that bulged the net. Wembley erupted. For Frimpong, the timestamp on the scoreboard wasn’t just a number — it was the moment his Liverpool story truly began.

Frimpong’s strike was more than just a goal; it was a statement. His reputation at Bayer Leverkusen was built on attacking flair and relentless energy down the flank, and here he was, proving that his style could translate seamlessly into English football. His forward runs, combined with a fearless willingness to take on defenders, gave Liverpool an added dimension from the right side.

The first half closed with Liverpool looking the more threatening side, but Palace’s counter-attacks kept the Reds’ backline honest. Wirtz and Ekitike continued to link up dangerously, and Frimpong’s overlapping runs constantly stretched Palace’s defensive shape. Yet, the scoreline remained finely balanced, keeping the tension high heading into the break.

In the second half, Liverpool looked to consolidate their lead and control the tempo. Wirtz pulled the strings in midfield, dictating play with quick passes and vision that belied his age. Ekitike’s movement kept Palace’s centre-backs guessing, while Frimpong continued to cause havoc down the right wing. Palace, to their credit, held firm and threatened sporadically through Mateta and Eberechi Eze.

Slot’s tactical approach was clear — fluid attacking patterns, constant pressure on the opposition, and allowing his full-backs the freedom to push high up the pitch. Frimpong thrived in this system, almost grabbing a second goal midway through the half with a curling effort that flew just wide. His debut was shaping up to be one of the standout individual performances in a Liverpool shirt in recent memory.

Palace pushed hard in the final quarter of the game, chasing an equaliser. Their set-pieces caused anxious moments for the Liverpool defense, but goalkeeper Alisson Becker stood tall, making crucial saves when called upon. The closing stages saw Liverpool weather the storm and hold onto their advantage, a promising sign of resilience in Slot’s first major competitive outing.

As the final whistle blew, the focus inevitably turned to Frimpong. His goal had not only secured Liverpool a piece of silverware but had also set the tone for what fans hope will be a season of attacking brilliance. The timestamp — 21 minutes — will be etched in the memories of supporters as the moment Liverpool’s new right-back announced himself in style.

For Ekitike and Wirtz, too, this was a day to remember. A debut goal for the French striker and a decisive assist for the German midfielder showcased exactly why Liverpool invested in them this summer. Combined with Frimpong’s unforgettable strike, the trio’s performances gave a tantalising glimpse into the future of this team.

Liverpool fans left Wembley buzzing, already dreaming about what lies ahead. And somewhere in the archives, the 21st-minute mark now holds special significance — the precise moment Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool career took flight.