Liverpool 1-2 Crystal Palace: 5 Talking Points

Jurgen Klopp lost his first game as Liverpool boss as his side crumbled to a 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Yannick Bolasie opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 21st minute, Coutinho continued his goal scoring form after he found the back of the net from a fine move by Liverpool just before the break, and an 82nd minute winner by lifelong Liverpool fan, Scott Dann, sealed the three points for Alan Pardew’s team. It wasn't a pleasant game for the home side or fans, especially with their hero Steven Gerrard returning to watch the Reds. Klopp’s men could not deal with Palace’s threat despite keeping possession for long spells. Whenever they conceded the ball, they looked nervous, it leaves a lot to be desired from the Merseysiders.We take a look at the five talking points from the game.

#1 Crystal Palace continue to haunt Liverpool

Crystal Palace did a double over Liverpool last season, and ended their hopes of winning the title in 2013/14. They once again played party pooper as Jurgen Klopp lost his first game as the Reds boss after six games. Liverpool, who were favourites before the game after impressive wins against Chelsea and Rubin Kazan, dominated the game, but even after taking 22 shots couldn’t find the back of the net more than once.

Crystal Palace scored twice from the 9 shots they had in the game, and despite being poor managed to take three points from Anfield. The Eagles have been Liverpool’s bogey team for a while now, and the lack of belief in players and fans looked evident after Crystal Palace scored the second goal.

Palace now have beaten the Reds in 3 consecutive games and are quickly garnering a record against Liverpool that the Reds will not want to have. It's another fixture that fans will have to keep an eye out for whenever they come around.

#2 Reds not prolific

It’s not like Liverpool players didn’t dominate the game, in fact after a long time the Liverpool attack looked effective, but they just couldn’t find the back of the net. Liverpool dominated Crystal Palace in every department of the game except the one that matters the most.

The Reds conceded two goals from defensive blunders, but enjoyed majority of possession on the night. Liverpool had 22 shots in the game, but had just 4 shots on target. Christian Benteke, who has started off his Anfield career well, was particularly poor in front of the goal, and had multiple opportunities to score.

Liverpool had a better passing accuracy, won more tackles and aerial duels, and the Liverpool players completed more dribbles too, but all of that comes to nothing if they can’t find the back of the net.

With the ever growing injury list at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have too many strikers in his squad right now who can finish off those chances, and will be hoping Daniel Sturridge returns to training before their next game against Manchester City.

#3 Poor game for Benteke

Since selling Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Liverpool have found it difficult to find a regular goal scorer. They have one in Daniel Sturridge, but only if he can keep himself fit to play enough games. Christian Benteke, who was signed from Aston Villa for £32.5 m, has scored four goals for Liverpool so far in the league, and but has been inconsistent.

The Belgian international had 5 shots in the game, but just one on target. Of those chances, there were a couple of very good ones to put his team in front, but he didn’t do enough to impress.

Benteke, who has now gone two games without scoring, will find it difficult to find his place in the starting XI once Daniel Sturridge returns from his injury, and might just have to settle for a place on the bench. Brazilian star Roberto Firmino has also impressed recently, and might climb above Benteke in the pecking order if he continues to disappoint.

#4 Defensive errors cost Liverpool

Two poor defensive errors, and Crystal Palace brilliantly took both their chances. The first error came from German international Emre Can, who instead of clearing the ball from a Wilfried Zaha cross tried playing it to Coutinho to initiate a counter attack, and his mistake cost the Reds as Yannick Bolasie smashed the ball past Mignolet to give Crystal Palace the lead.

This is not the first time Emre Can has made a defensive blunder, and has prefered to pass the ball to one of his teammate inside his own penalty box when clearing the ball looked like the easier and smarter option.

Somethings never change, and one of those things is Liverpool conceding goals from a set-piece. Scott Dann scored the winner for Crystal Palace in what looked like another blunder from the Reds defense. Cabaye’s corner was initially headed in by Dann, which Mignolet somehow managed to save, but the Crystal Palace defender was allowed all the time in the world by the Liverpool players to head the rebound past Mignolet.

#5 Jurgen Klopp\'s impact

Liverpool might have lost 1-2 to Crystal Palace at Anfield, but a lot will agree it was still better than the dull draws under Brendan Rodgers. The Reds looked more calm and confident on the ball, and it seems it’s only a matter of time Jurgen Klopp starts getting a string of good results.

It’s not just about the results and performances, but few players looked impressive and youngster Jordon Ibe was the standout performer for them. The 19-year-old, who scored in midweek against Rubin Kazan, continued his brilliant form against Crystal Palace, and has looked more confident on the ball.

Another player who has benefited from the managerial change is Adam Lallana, who had a 94% passing accuracy, took three shots, and also provided the assist for Coutinho’s goal. The likes of Alberto Moreno, Nathaniel Clyne, Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho have all looked different players under Jurgen Klopp, and they’ll be hoping to reflect it on the results after the upcoming international break.