Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson enjoyed his moment in the spotlight as he saved two penalties in their shootout win over Liverpool in the Community Shield and he certainly came prepared.
Liverpool’s new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both scored in the first half but were pegged back each time by goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and, after the break, Ismaila Sarr.
Mohamed Salah missed his second penalty in a week before Henderson made saves from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott during a 3-2 shootout triumph.
And the beIN Sports cameras caught the Palace stopper using a ‘cheat sheet’ to help himself during the spot-kicks.
Henderson was seen reading notes that he had written on a water bottle which was hidden beneath a towel.
‘I love the big moments, I love being in that pressure moment. The homework we did on penalties was great,’ Henderson told TNT Sports.
‘They have unbelievable players and have a great team but two trophies in three months is incredible.
‘These emotions are fantastic. With them 2-1 up you think we are out the game. The manager said we’d get chances and we did.’
It was the second time in a matter of months that Henderson had performed heroics in a final at Wembley.
He was the star of the show when Palace ended their wait for a major trophy with victory over Man City in last season’s FA Cup final.
City failed to break down a resolute Palace defence, led by Henderson, who made six saves in the game, including from Omar Marmoush’s penalty.
Guardiola was involved in a bust-up with Henderson after the full-time whistle at the national stadium, seen approaching the England goalkeeper.
