LEICESTER, United Kingdom: Liverpool struck first blood against Manchester City ahead of the new Premier League season as Darwin Nunez made an instant impact for Jurgen Klopp’s men to win the Community Shield 3-1.
In a tale of two big summer signings, Nunez came off the bench to win a penalty and score his first goal since a 75-million euro ($77 million) move from Benfica, while Erling Haaland had a City debut to forget.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s blistering strike gave Liverpool a deserved half-time lead in Leicester.
But it was City’s other new forward who hauled Pep Guardiola’s men back into the game after the break as Julian Alvarez equalized.
Tying down Mohamed Salah to a new three-year deal was Liverpool’s other major piece of summer business and the Egyptian was deadly from the penalty spot after Nunez’s header was handled by Ruben Dias.
The Uruguayan then got his own glory moment by stooping to head home in stoppage time before tearing off his shirt in celebration.
Victory saw Liverpool win the traditional season curtain-raiser for the first time since 2006 and lay down an early marker in what is expected to be another battle between the sides for the Premier League title.
City held off the Reds to win the Premier League for a fourth time in five years by a point in a thrilling finale to last season.
Guardiola’s men had to come from 2-0 down on the final day of the campaign to beat Aston Villa and were again guilty of a slow start.
Salah was the provider for the opening goal as he laid Thiago Alcantara’s crossfield pass back to the edge of the box and Alexander-Arnold smashed in off the post with the aid of a slight deflection off Dias.
City had played just two pre-season friendlies to Liverpool’s four and took half an hour to find their feet.
Haaland was denied by Liverpool stand-in goalkeeper Adrian with his first sight of goal.
However, the Norwegian should have opened his City account moments later as he failed to properly connect with Joao Cancelo’s inviting cross.
Nunez was given his chance to shine on the hour mark, but fluffed his first big chance when Ederson prevailed in a one-on-one.
At the other end, City’s new South American striker also got his career in England off to a flying start.
Alvarez’s arrival at the Etihad has gone under the radar in the hype surrounding Haaland.
But the Argentine, who scored six goals in one Copa Libertadores match in May, is also regarded as one of the world’s most exciting young forward.
Alvarez was quickest to react to the rebound after Adrian saved Phil Foden’s initial effort and the goal stood after a VAR review for offside.
It needed another the intervention of VAR once more for Liverpool to restore their lead seven minutes from time.
Referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after seeing a replay of Nunez’s header coming back off the arm of Dias.
Salah was deadly as ever from 12 yards as he drilled into the bottom corner despite Ederson going the right way.
Nunez then ended any doubt over the result when he pounced on Andy Robertson’s header across goal.
But City’s miserable day did not end there as Haaland hit the bar with the goal gaping deep in stoppage time to keep the Norwegian superstar waiting to open his account in English football.
Nunez outshines Haaland as Liverpool beat Man City to Community Shield
https://arab.news/brsjy
Nunez outshines Haaland as Liverpool beat Man City to Community Shield
- Nunez came off the bench to win a penalty and score his first goal since a 75-million euro ($77 million) move from Benfica
- Erling Haaland had a City debut to forget
Ripper GC signs Australian rising star Elvis Smylie ahead of 2026 LIV Golf season
- Breakout Queenslander joins Australia’s team as Ripper GC invests in the future of Australian golf
NEW YORK/AUSTRALIA: Ripper GC of the LIV Golf League announced the signing of Australian rising star Elvis Smylie on Thursday.
The team have secured one of the country’s top young talents as they continue to champion Australian golf globally. Smylie, 23, joins a roster that already blends seasoned champions with a competitive core.
He arrives after a breakout 2024-25 professional run that included a statement win at the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club.
He joins Captain Cam Smith, one of the most accomplished Australian players; Marc Leishman, who delivered Ripper GC’s lone individual victory at LIV Golf Miami in 2025; and Lucas Herbert, a multiple international champion known for his consistency and short game.
“Growing up in Australia, you understand what golf means back home — the history, the mateship, and the pride that comes with representing your country,” Smylie said.
“To join Ripper GC, led by my long-term mentor, Cam Smith, at a time when Australian golf is growing the way it is means a lot to me. I’m proud to be part of something that embodies where the game has been, and where it’s going next.”
Smylie is a former recipient of the Cam Smith Scholarship for promising Australian golfers. He is the son of former Australian tennis doubles star Liz Smylie.
He had a defining stretch in late 2024, capturing his first professional victory at the Bowra & O’Dea Nexus Advisement Western Australia Open, and then one month later winning the Australian PGA Championship.
“Signing Elvis is a huge moment, not just for Ripper GC, but for Australian golf,” said Smith.
“He represents the next wave of Australian talent coming through at a time when the sport is absolutely booming back home. Elvis has already shown he can win under pressure, compete against world-class fields, and perform on big stages.”
More than 4 million Australians played golf in the past year, marking the most sustained period of growth in the sport in more than three decades. Junior participation and club membership continue to surge nationwide.
“Cam’s vision has always been to provide a pathway for young Australian golfers to excel on the global stage,” said Ripper GC General Manager Nick Adams.
“Elvis represents the best of all of the young crop of players currently in Australia, and we believe that his playing ability gives us the best chance of success in 2026 as a team.
“We are incredibly excited to have him as part of the group, and we look forward to helping him in his golf journey to become an elite player.”
Australian fans will see the new Ripper GC lineup at the supercharged LIV Golf Adelaide, Australia’s premier golf event. The tournament returns to The Grange Golf Club from Feb. 12 to 15.
A three-time winner of World’s Best Golf Event, LIV Golf Adelaide has drawn more than 260,000 fans and contributed over $217 million to South Australia’s economy since the event’s inception in 2023.
The 2025 event generated a record $81.46 million.
