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 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 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, the Merseysiders continued to push and soon found yet another late goal through super-sub Federico Chiesa. But it was Palace who had the last laugh as Nketiah converted from a late, long throw to send the home fans into raptures.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Selhurst Park…
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Alisson (8/10):
Made a number of fantastic saves to prevent Liverpool from losing by more.
Conor Bradley (4/10):
Had a tough afternoon up against Pino and the overlapping left-back Tyrick Mitchell. He was substituted at half time.
Ibrahima Konate (4/10):
The defender really struggled in his battle with Palace striker Mateta. Perhaps should have scored with a header from a corner as well.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10):
One of his long passes was kept alive by Salah, who slipped in Alexander Isak but the striker hit the side netting. Made a couple of key interventions at the other end as well.
Milos Kerkez (5/10):
Found it difficult to do what he does best by flying up the left-hand side.
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Ryan Gravenberch (5/10):
His headed clearance fell into Sarr's path for Palace's opener, though the corner should not have stood. The midfielder went some way to making amends by putting the cross in which brought about Chiesa's leveller.
Alexis Mac Allister (4/10):
Subdued for the most part, he fed Isak with a good pass in the second half but the Sweden international scuffed his effort wide.
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Mohamed Salah (5/10):
He fed Isak with a half chance at best in the first half, otherwise it was a very quiet afternoon for Liverpool's star man.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
After struggling in the first half, the Hungary international grew into the game when he was switched to right-back after the break.
Florian Wirtz (4/10):
Playing from the left initially, the German struggled down that side. He was moved centrally after the break and was better, but should have scored from close range.
Alexander Isak (5/10):
Had a couple of opportunities to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, but few were golden.
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Cody Gakpo (5/10):
A substitute at half time, the forward injected a bit of energy into Liverpool's attacking play.
Curtis Jones (5/10):
He came off the bench and created an opening for Szoboszlai, but it ultimately came to nothing.
Federico Chiesa (7/10):
The winger picked up a yellow card for a poor challenge not long after coming on, but then scored Liverpool's equaliser.
Jeremie Frimpong (5/10):
He was unable to make the desired impact off the bench, struggling to get involved.
Rio Ngumoha (5/10):
Replacing Isak, the youngster was unable to effect the game after emerging from the bench.
Arne Slot (5/10):
He opted to play Wirtz from the left initially but the midfielder struggled all afternoon. His decision to bring on Chiesa worked, however.