Sunday marked the conclusion of Liverpool’s terrible week, as they followed up a lackluster draw at Manchester United and an embarrassing loss to Atalanta with a sluggish 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, leaving them with an enormous mountain to surmount in the Premier League title race. After just 14 minutes, Eberechi Eze scored the game’s lone goal with a close-range shot following a masterful one-touch pass from Palace down their left flank. Additionally, they were fortunate to avoid a 2-0 deficit, as Jean-Philippe Mateta was denied by a heroic goal-line clearance performed by Andrew Robertson. Wataru Endo eventually got Liverpool back into the game when he struck the crossbar. Dean Henderson then made fine saves in the second half, preventing Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez from converting in the first half.
The Reds continued to pile on the pressure, and both Curtis Jones and substitute Diogo Jota wasted gilt-edged chances, while at the other end, Alisson Becker somehow denied Mateta from close-range. In the end, Palace held on to leave Liverpool two points adrift of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Alisson Becker (6/10):
Although he had little opportunity to prevent Eze’s goal, the goalkeeper made a few simple early stops before preventing Mateta’s second-half effort upon his return from ιnjury.
Conor Bradley (4/10):
Defensively challenged, as the preponderance of Palace’s assaults originated from his flank. Early departure in the second half due to an ankle ιnjury.
Ibrahima Konate (4/10):
At times, he appeared disorganized in defense, as the Palace аttаck caught him off guard. Attempts to execute a few astute passes occurred during the second half, when the hosts increased the pressure.
Virgil van Dijk (5/10):
Perhaps he should have detected Eze sneaking into the penalty area to score; Mateta came close to exposing him before Robertson averted the disаster. Thereafter, a commanding posture emerged.
Andrew Robertson (7/10):
by a wide margin, Liverpool’s finest player of the day. Especially in the first half, he was the driving force behind many of their finest attacks and kept Olise relatively quiet.
Alexis Mac Allister (4/10):
He was significantly below par as he misdirected a multitude of passes in the midfield. Exhausting at the end of a lengthy season of string tugging.
Wataru Endo (4/10):
Although he performed admirably defensively, he was far too careless when in possession, as Palace preferred him to be a deep-lying playmaker. Withdrew prior to halftime.
Curtis Jones (2/10):
Convicted of not tracking Eze’s goal for Palace, the opponent had difficulty maintaining the ball in midfield. Achieved a wide discharge despite being cooked through for the last twenty minutes. I have booked it.
Mohamed Salah (3/10):
unable to gain a foothold in the game as Palace deftly obstructed the Egyptian’s passing channels. Despite being denied once in the first half by Henderson and once late on by Mitchell, he did not appear to be himself.
Darwin Nunez (3/10):
Although he encountered challenges with his physique, he was abysmal when the ball ultimately reached him. Before being substituted for Gakpo, he fired directly at Henderson early in the second half when scoring appeared more feasible.
Luis Diaz (6/10):
Compatriot Munoz was initially troubled by his direct dribbling, but the difficulty diminished as the game progressed. Substituted in the midst of the second half.
