The Community Shield might have somewhat of a reputation as a glorified friendly but both Liverpool and Manchester City desperately wanted to emerge with bragging rights from Saturday evening's clash in Leicester.

After a fiercely contested 90 minutes, it was Jurgen Klopp's Reds who took home the trophy. With less than 10 minutes to go, though, the game was delicately poised a 1-1 and could have gone either way.

Liverpool were handed an opportunity to take the lead when Ruben Dias handled a Darwin Nunez header in the box.

A penalty was subsequently awarded by VAR and the responsibility to fire home from 12 yards lay with Liverpool's electric winger Mo Salah.

With a host of top honours to his name, the Egyptian superstar is no stranger to the pressure of the big occasion.

However, where Klopp's side is concerned spot-kicks are about far more than just the penalty taker trying to outwit the goalkeeper.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with the FA Community Shield following victory

of The FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on July 30, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Liverpool won both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup last season after defeating Chelsea in penalty shootouts.

Following the second of those triumphs, the charismatic German revealed that the club had been working alongside a neuroscience company based in his homeland to try and perfect their approach to penalties.

"We work together with a company, four guys, their name is neuro11," Klopp told ESPN after Liverpool's FA Cup final win.

"They got in contact with us two years ago, I think I was aware of it [then]. One of them is a neuroscientist and he said ‘we can train penalty shooting’ Really. And I said: ‘sounds interesting, come over.’

"German guy, we met. We worked together and this trophy is for them like the Carabao Cup was."

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Jürgen Klopp head coach of Liverpool during The FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on July 30, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Liverpool enjoyed more success from the spot during the Community Shield, as Salah made no mistake with his penalty.

On Sunday morning, renowned sports psychologist Geir Jordet put together a fascinating Twitter thread outlining the role that Salah's Liverpool teammates played in protecting him from any Man City mind games or other distractions as he stepped up to try and beat Ederson.

His analysis shows how well-drilled Klopp's men are when it comes to spot-kicks, adopting a strong team mentality to ensure the best possible chance of scoring.

Let's now take a look at the thread in detail

Jordet: "Liverpool maintains their TEAM approach to penalty kicks from last season, where they insulate & protect their penalty taker from potential opponent mind games. Salah can then freely focus on his shot. What did they do in the Community Shield, and where did it come from?"

Jordet: "When City players start approaching the penalty taker, Thiago & Elliot[t] immediately come running to shield them away from Salah. Thiago takes care of Ederson, while Elliot[t] has Salah's back. Finally, Thiago escorts the City players away."

According to Jordet, this tactic was mirrored at certain points last season, with Jordan Henderson playing a key role.

Jordet: "Normally, Jordan Henderson is Liverpool's chief penalty taker bodyguard, either alone or joined by teammates. This started last season against Emi Martinez and Aston Villa.

"Sometimes, Henderson took this responsibility alone, like here against Brighton."

The Liverpool captain was withdrawn 17 minutes from time on Saturday and replaced by Harvey Elliott. The young winger immediately knew his role when the time came to shield Salah, proof that the entire Anfield squad is aware of the plan whenever a spot-kick is awarded.

Jordet: "Other times, Henderson has led a concerted strategy where players took on different roles. Yesterday, that other players fill in as Henderson is substituted off, clearly shows this is a deliberate team strategy this season. Will be interesting to follow."

As Jordet emphasises, Liverpool's set-up for penalties is no accident. Given the effectiveness of the strategy in recent times, Klopp appears to be ahead of the curve when it comes to using behavioural science to organise his troops.

Expect rival manager's to follow suit if Liverpool's strong run from the spot continues.

At the elite level, every little helps. If players can gain even the slightest advantage in big moments, then the hours spent preparing for them end up being more than worthwhile.