PIX: Man City beat Liverpool on penalties to win Community Shield

IMAGE: Manchester City's players celebrate winning the English FA Community Shield. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters

Manchester City struck an early blow for the forthcoming Premier League campaign as they beat Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday after an absorbing contest had finished 1-1.

Former Liverpool player Raheem Sterling gave the champions the lead in a first half they dominated as Liverpool’s sluggish pre-season form continued.

IMAGE: Manchester City's Kyle Walker clears the ball from the goal line in the dying moments of added time. Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

European champions Liverpool were far better in the second period.

They equalised through Joel Matip’s header and created a host of other chances to take the lead as City appeared to tire.

IMAGE: Raheem Sterling puts Manchester City ahead early in the game. Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

City’s Kyle Walker made a last-ditch goal line clearance from Mo Salah’s effort in the dying moments and with no extra-time being played the showpiece went to a penalty shoot-out.

IMAGE: Joel Matip restores parity for Liverpool. Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

Pep Guardiola’s side, which completed the domestic treble last season, claimed the silverware in the traditional curtain-raiser as they converted all five of their penalties in ruthless fashion while Georginio Wijnaldum had his effort saved by Claudio Bravo.

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