Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, dealing a blow to Palace's already struggling season. The win moved Liverpool up to fourth in the Premier League, while Palace remained at the bottom with just seven points from their first 10 league games under head coach Pierre Sage. This latest defeat has raised questions about Sage's future, with the team's performance and results failing to improve since he took over from Oliver Glasner in the summer.
The match began with Palace showing energy and creating chances, but they were unable to capitalize on these opportunities. Yeremy Pino struck the Liverpool crossbar from close range, and Jorgen Strand Larsen had a goal ruled out for offside. Liverpool's goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, was kept busy throughout the match, making six saves and often looking like the team's most important player. His efforts helped to keep Liverpool in the game and ultimately secure the win.
Liverpool took the lead in the 40th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed in following a well-worked free-kick routine. Dominik Szoboszlai provided the assist, and the goal gave Liverpool a crucial advantage heading into the second half. The visitors doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half, with Florian Wirtz finishing neatly after being set up by Bradley Barcola. This goal marked Wirtz's first Premier League goal since netting against Palace in April.
Alexander Isak made the game safe in the 89th minute when he converted Liverpool's third goal from a Wirtz assist. This goal was Isak's seventh league goal of the season and effectively sealed the win for Liverpool. However, Palace did manage to score a consolation goal with the final kick of the match, with Eddie Nketiah scoring from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Milos Kerkez was penalized.
The defeat adds to a difficult period for Palace, who were also reduced to 10 men early in their previous match at Tottenham when Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off. They eventually lost 2-0 after playing nearly 80 minutes a man down. The team's struggles this season have led to increased speculation about Sage's position, and this latest defeat is unlikely to alleviate these concerns. Palace will next face Coventry City on 21 November.
For Liverpool, the win provided another important three points away from home, even if the performance was not always convincing. The team's manager, Andoni Iraola, will be pleased with the result, which keeps his side in the top four. Liverpool have now won four consecutive away league matches and remain unbeaten on the road this season, with both of their league defeats having come at Anfield.
The win comes after a disappointing midweek loss at Fenerbahce in Europe, and Iraola will be hoping that his team can build on this result as they head into the international break. With the top four now within reach, Liverpool will look to maintain their momentum and push for a strong finish to the season. Meanwhile, Palace will need to regroup and find a way to turn their season around if they are to avoid a difficult second half of the campaign.
Key points
- Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace has piled pressure on Palace's head coach Pierre Sage.
- The defeat has left Palace at the foot of the Premier League table with just seven points from their first 10 league games.
- Liverpool's manager, Andoni Iraola, will be pleased with the result, which keeps his side in the top four.
