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Liverpool travelled to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League. The Red had won 11 of their 12 games in the league, with the draw at Old Trafford the only game where they had dropped points so far. Jurgen Klopp's team were also 8 points clear at the top of the table and arrived into the game on the back of an impressive 3-1 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Anfield.
The Eagles, on the other hand, had started the season brilliantly, but their good form had eluded them in the last 4 games, where they had 3 defeats and a draw. As a result, Palace had dropped down the league table and were in danger of sliding further down against a free-scoring Liverpool side. For Jurgen Klopp, this was a chance to maintain the gap between his team and the rest of the league and the Liverpool boss named his team accordingly.
Liverpool Starting XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren, Virgil Van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum; Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Liverpool were the better team at the start, but the home side grew into the game as the match progressed. The first half ended 0-0. After the break, the away side took the lead through Sadio Mane in the 49th minute. Palace equalized through Wilfred Zaha in the 82nd minute, but Roberto Firmino restored the away side’s lead 3 minutes later. Liverpool ultimately went on to secure 3 points and here are 5 talking points from the game.
#5 Crystal Palace matched Liverpool stride for stride
The Eagles were on the back foot for the opening minutes of the game, as Liverpool piled on the pressure looking for an early goal. Jurgen Klopp’s wards drove at the home side with intent, moving the ball well and keeping control of the proceeding. However, Crystal Palace were resolute at the back and denied the Reds any clear cut opportunities. After weathering the initial storm, Palace began to gather their footing in the game.
The home side used a more direct approach and attempted to catch Liverpool on the break. Their confidence grew with every passing minute and they even had a couple of good chances to score in the first half.
The best of the lot fell to Jordan Ayew, who missed a glorious opportunity to put the home team ahead. The home team also had more than a few chances to score after the break as well.
Even though they ultimately lost the game, for the majority of the day, Crystal Palace managed to match Liverpool stride for stride and gave an impressive account of themselves.
#4 VAR saved Liverpool the blushes
In the dying minutes of the first half, Crystal Palace pushed Liverpool to the wall and looked close to a breakthrough. The home side won a free-kick near the corner flag and Luka Milivojevic sent in a good ball into the box. James Tomkins rose the highest and put the ball into the net, putting his team ahead. The referee allowed the goal to stand even though Lovren was lying on the floor. It appeared that an incident had occurred in the build-up to the goal that required the intervention of the Video Analysis Referee.
Replays suggested that Ayew had pushed Lovren to the ground just as the ball was coming into the box and it was a clear foul. VAR intervened and the goal was overturned and the score remained 0-0, helping Liverpool stay in the game. It was perhaps the wake-up call that Jurgen Klopp’s men needed. Liverpool subsequently went on to score early in the second half and used their momentum to win the game.
#3 Wilfried Zaha gave Liverpool a scare
Jurgen Klopp knew ahead of the game that in order to stop Crystal Palace, he had to keep Wilfried Zaha quiet. The former Manchester United player has been in fine form this season and had already proved to be a handful for many oppositions. Zaha’s speed and trickery caused Alexander-Arnold quite a few problems, but the youngster performed admirably for the majority of the game.
After Christian Benteke was introduced in the second half, Zaha found a lot more space to operate. Liverpool were in total control after going 1-0 up when the Ivorian stamped his authority in the game. He picked up a ball from Andres Townsend, skipped past two Liverpool players to create shooting space and sent the ball into the back of the net. It brought the home team right back into the game and put Liverpool under tremendous pressure, abet temporarily.
The Ivorian also had a glorious opportunity to steal a point in injury time, however, with the goal at his mercy, Zaha sent his shot into the stands.
#2 Jurgen Klopp’s men scored late once again
Liverpool struggled to break down the home side until the second half when Mane received a ball from Firmino and his shot was deflected in off the upright. It was nothing more than what Liverpool deserved, but Palace refused to give up without a fight.
When Zaha scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute, it appeared as if Liverpool had met their match. The home side threatened to ruin Liverpool’s day and it appeared as if the Reds were slipping up. However, as has been the case in quite a few games this season, the league leaders showed their relentless side once again.
Liverpool needed a hero and up stepped Firmino to save his team. After a goal-mouth pin-ball contest, the ball fell at the feet of the Brazilian. Firmino made no mistake and put Liverpool ahead once again.
Liverpool have developed an impressive habit of scoring late goals that is the hallmark of champion teams. Jurgen Klopp’s team refuse to be beaten and their desire helped them win all 3 points against Crystal Palace.
#1 Liverpool continue to stay clear of the pack at the top
The Reds went into the game 8 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Having demolished the reigning champions Manchester City in their last game, Liverpool had the luxury to take things slow against Crystal Palace. However, Jurgen Klopp’s men managed to grind out a result on a day when they were far from their best.
Liverpool have now secured 37 points out of a possible 39, with the 2 points dropped at Old Trafford the only ones they have failed to gather all season in the league. Leicester City continue to be at their toes, but the Foxes are 8 points behind in the second position. Most importantly, Jurgen Klopp’s team is 12 points ahead of City at the moment, with Pep Guardiola’s team set to play Chelsea later on Saturday.
Even though it is too early in the season, the Reds have an advantage on their rivals and might take some stopping this season. They continue to stay clear of the competition at the top of the table and Klopp will be quietly confident that his team can maintain this gap until the end of the season.
