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.
That meant the traditional season curtain-raiser would be decided on spot-kicks with no extra-time.
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 penalties.
Henderson was seen reading notes that he had written on a water bottle and then hidden beneath a towel.
And Henderson admitted afterwards that the homework he had done in preparation for a potential shootout had definitely paid off.
Dean Henderson was spotted reading notes on a water bottle during Sunday’s shootout
The Crystal Palace goalkeeper had come prepared for a potential shootout at Wembley
The stopper was the star of the show at Wembley for the second time in a matter of months
‘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.