Well, that is not the curtain raiser for the new season that we were all expecting and hoping for. Twice Liverpool were pegged back from winning positions before an atrocious penalty shootout completed the disappointing turn of events.
First half goals from new boys Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong came on either side of a Palace penalty by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
So, it was a bit of a letdown following an exciting summer. but the season is long. Let's see how the Liverpool players rated in the Wembley defeat.
Alisson Becker - 7/10 - The Brazilian made some fine saves during the 90 minutes and also did his best to keep the Reds in the shootout. He's still one of the very best in the world.
Jeremie Frimpong - 6.5/10 - The goal was a pleasant surprise, but he was too often on the peripheries of the action and couldn't get his trademark pace truly going at all.
Ibrahaima Konate - 7/10 - Ibou was solid on the day as he usually is. He handled the physicality of Mateta well enough and was calm and collected on the ball. Get him a new contract.
Virgil van Dijk - 5/10 - This was a rough outing from the Captain. His careless challenge gave away the penalty in the first half before his wrong decision to step up allowed Sarr in-behind for the equalizer. There won't be many games like this from our No. 4.
Milos Kerkez - 6/10 - It was a middling performance from the Hungarian fullback who was caught well out of position on several occasions, including for the second Palace goal. He got forward a few times, but not his best work.
Curtis Jones - 6/10 - He was fine on the day. Did not do much to help or hurt the side in this one. Recycled the ball a lot before eventually being replaced.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 5.5/10 - Gave the ball away cheaply on several occasions in this one. Had one tame effort on goal but otherwise, was a more of a liability than anything. One of the few to take his penalty well in the shootout.
Florian Wirtz - 7/10 - The German showed why everyone is so excited to have him at Anfield. His work with Ekitike led to the opening goal and his wide passing range was on full display. Faded towards the end but a good showing.
Mohamed Salah - 5/10 - Like van Dijk, this was a rough match. He created almost nothing, soared his penalty to the moon and was largely invisible for long stretches of the match. Uncharacteristic day.
Hugo Ekitike - 7.5/10 - He was Liverpool's best player in this one and he took his opening goal well. Showed a wide array of deft touches throughout and his link up play was top class. Perhaps deserved to get a chance in the shootout. Encouraging debut nonetheless.
Cody Gakpo - 6/10 - Much like Jones, he did not do a lot either way in this one. He spent a lot of time having to track back to cover Kerkez's holes. Took his penalty well in the shootout. Better days coming this season.
SUBS:
Alexis Mac Allister - 5/10 - Did not do a lot after coming on late and his tame penalty was saved. Working back to full fitness.
Wataru Endō - 5.5/10 - Not a lot of impact here either, but it was some minutes at Wembley.
Harvey Elliott - 5.5/10 - Created some half chances and tried to drive forward as he does but lacked anything final at the end. Took a poor penalty.
Andy Robertson - 6/10 - Put one dangerous cross in the box after coming on.