Crystal Palace delivered a statement performance at Selhurst Park, ending Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season with a dramatic 2-1 victory. The result not only halted the Reds’ winning run but also propelled Palace up to second place, within touching distance of the league leaders.
Liverpool entered the match seeking a sixth consecutive league win under Arne Slot, but the visitors looked off the pace from the outset. Palace, buoyed by their impressive unbeaten streak, pressed aggressively and forced errors from a Liverpool side that has recently relied on late comebacks to grind out results.
The breakthrough arrived early for the hosts when Ismaila Sarr capitalised on poor defending from a corner, smashing home the opener. The goal was a reward for Palace’s energetic start, as their pressing disrupted Liverpool’s build-up play and denied them rhythm in midfield. The visitors created half-chances through Federico Chiesa and Darwin Núñez, but goalkeeper Dean Henderson stood firm to preserve Palace’s lead going into halftime.
Liverpool Fight Back Late but Fall Short
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Palace keeping Liverpool pinned back for long spells while threatening on the counter. The Reds pushed for an equaliser, with Luis Díaz forcing a sharp save and Trent Alexander-Arnold testing Henderson from a free kick.
Their persistence seemed to have paid off in the 87th minute when Chiesa pounced on a loose ball in the box, guiding it into the bottom corner to level the contest. For a moment, it appeared Liverpool were set for another trademark comeback, having previously won several matches with late goals this season.
However, Palace refused to settle for a point. With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Eddie Nketiah showed great composure in a crowded penalty area, slotting past Alisson Becker to restore Palace’s lead and send Selhurst Park into raptures.
Palace’s Title Credentials Strengthened
The victory extended Palace’s club-record unbeaten run to 18 games across all competitions and marked their third consecutive result against Liverpool without defeat. The performance was a testament to Oliver Glasner’s tactical setup, which successfully neutralised Liverpool’s pressing game and punished their defensive lapses.
For Liverpool, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Arne Slot’s men remain top of the table, but the defeat exposed familiar vulnerabilities, particularly when chasing games. With Arsenal set to face Newcastle on Sunday, the gap at the top could be reduced to just two points, potentially tightening the early title race.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are quickly shedding their underdog tag. Sitting second on the table, just three points off Liverpool, they have shown they can compete with the league’s elite. If they maintain this form, they could yet emerge as a serious contender in what promises to be a fiercely contested season.
See also: Alvarez’s brace downs Real Madrid
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