Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Post-Match Analysis and Player Ratings
Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool at Selhurst Park with a dramatic 2–1 victory in the Premier League. The match had everything: an early breakthrough, a late equaliser, and a stoppage-time winner that ended Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season.
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First-Half: Palace Strike First
The home crowd had barely settled when Ismaïla Sarr opened the scoring in the 9th minute. A defensive lapse from Liverpool allowed Palace to pounce, and Sarr made no mistake with a composed finish.
From there, Liverpool dominated possession but found it difficult to break through Palace’s defensive block. Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez both tested Dean Henderson, but the goalkeeper stood firm to preserve the lead.
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Second-Half: Drama Unfolds
The second half followed a familiar pattern: Liverpool controlling the ball while Palace looked to hit on the counter. The Reds kept probing, and their persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute when Federico Chiesa struck a fine equaliser to make it 1–1.
Just when it seemed Liverpool had rescued a point, Selhurst Park erupted in stoppage time. Substitute Eddie Nketiah reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble and fired home to secure all three points for Crystal Palace.
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Key Performances
Crystal Palace
Ismaïla Sarr: Set the tone with the opener and remained a constant outlet on the counter.
Eddie Nketiah: Super-sub who delivered the winning moment in the dying seconds.
Marc Guéhi & Joachim Andersen: Marshalled the defense superbly against Liverpool’s front line.
Dean Henderson: Made several important saves to keep Palace in front when under pressure.
Liverpool
Federico Chiesa: The bright spark in attack, scoring the equaliser and looking the most dangerous.
Alisson Becker: Prevented Palace from scoring more with key interventions.
Ibrahima Konaté: Struggled defensively and looked uncomfortable under Palace’s pressing.
Darwin Núñez: Worked hard but failed to convert his chances.
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Player Ratings
Crystal Palace
Henderson – 7
Guéhi – 8
Andersen – 7.5
Mitchell – 7
Doucouré – 7
Hughes – 6.5
Eze – 7.5
Olise – 7
Sarr – 8
Ayew – 6.5
Nketiah – 9
Liverpool
Alisson – 8
Alexander-Arnold – 6.5
Konaté – 5
Van Dijk – 6
Robertson – 6
Mac Allister – 6
Szoboszlai – 6.5
Jones – 6
Salah – 6.5
Núñez – 6
Chiesa – 7.5
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Match Statistics (Approx.)
Possession: Liverpool 64% – Crystal Palace 36%
Shots: Liverpool 14 – Palace 9
On Target: Liverpool 5 – Palace 4
Expected Goals (xG): Liverpool ~1.3 – Palace ~1.1
Corners: Liverpool 7 – Palace 3
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Tactical Breakdown
Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s side kept the ball well but lacked penetration. Their defensive line looked shaky, especially when pressed high.
Crystal Palace: Compact shape, fast transitions, and belief until the final whistle made the difference. Palace’s substitutes added energy that turned the match in their favour.
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Final Verdict
Crystal Palace showed resilience and belief, striking at the right moments to hand Liverpool their first defeat of the season. For the Reds, questions remain about defensive lapses and missed chances.
Final Score: Crystal Palace 2–1 Liverpool
