Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season as they slipped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, who now stand alone as the only undefeated side in the Premier League this season. Arne Slot’s Reds were second best for the majority of the match as Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah proved to be the difference makers at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
Unbeaten in their last 17 games in all competitions before the match, Palace flew out of the traps once again, taking the lead through a corner when Ryan Gravenberch fluffed his clearance into the path of Ismaila Sarr, who fired home from close range. It was the least the Eagles deserved for their sparkling start, though replays would later show that the corner should not have been given. Liverpool then had goalkeeper Alisson to thank as he made three incredible saves in close proximity to deny Palace trio Yeremy Pino, Daniel Munoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta to keep the shellshocked visitors in the game heading into the interval.
Alisson again showed his class early in the second half, thwarting Mateta in a one-on-one situation. The Palace striker was then adjudged to have been offside but Liverpool’s shot-stopper was not to know as he continued to star for the visitors. Slot’s men then started to grow into the game and Florian Wirtz should have netted his first goal for Liverpool, but he scuffed his effort before being substituted.
Palace had another chance to grab a second but substitute Eddie Nketiah failed to make the most of a good chance. While captain Marc Guehi – facing Liverpool for the first time since his move to Anfield was aborted on deadline day – was excellent throughout the affair, Liverpool continued to push and soon found yet another late equaliser through super-sub Chiesa. But it was Palace who had the last laugh as Nketiah converted from a late, long throw to send the home fans into rapture.
GOAL rates Liverpool’s players from Selhurst Park…