EPL 2017/18: Liverpool 1-0 Crystal Palace, 5 talking points

#1 Liverpool play better in a 4-2-3-1

Liverpool had 18 shots on goal

In the 71st minute, Dominic Solanke came on for Georginio Winjaldum, the change indicated a switch in formation for the Reds. Solanke went straight up front forcing Firmino to operate as a number 10. Two minutes later, Klopp’s men finally broke the deadlock as Mane cut inside from the left to exploit the space Solanke had created.

All of a sudden, Liverpool were zipping the ball around with pace and purpose into pockets of space. The 4-3-3 that Liverpool started with didn’t allow the attack to thrive, thus resulting in no one getting in behind the Palace defence.

The switch to a 4-2-3-1 allowed Salah and Mane to hug the touchlines and stretch the back three of Crystal Palace, this lead to bigger holes appearing as the close of the game came nearer.