Making five whopping changes to his squad, Jurgen Klopp tasted his first victory of the new Premier League season after Sadio Mane’s only goal, late in the second half, proved out to be the winner.
Dropping Mohamed Salah, Klopp decided to go with Daniel Sturridge, while also making three changes in the defensive line-up. Trent Alexander-Arnold was sacrificed to make way for Joe Gomez, while Ragar Klavan was given the nod ahead of Dejan Lovren. Furthermore, Andrew Robertson was given his Premier League debut and James Milner was chosen ahead of Emre Can.
The former Hull defender made an immediate impact as he delivered a pin-point cross into the area, but Matip failed to guide it home, heading the ball way off the post. There were some obvious flashes of Liverpool’s indigenous as both Roberto Firmino and Gini Wijnaldum were able to test Wayne Hennessey from long range. Palace, on the other hand, were deadly at times as well. Jason Puncheon tried testing Mignolet’s resolve from a tight angle, but the Belgium international was quick to deny the 31-year-old midfielder.
The Eagles came very close to scoring after Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s laborious work managed to find the former Red Christian Benteke, but the towering Belgian missed a clear sitter from just 10 yards out. He was duly punished for his mistake later in the half after Luka Milivojevic, coming under Dominic Solanke’s pressure, failed to clear the ball and Sadio Mane made no mistake in adding further misery to his fate. All of Solanke, Robertson and Salah were given an opportunity to extend the lead but were firmly denied by Hennessey in their attempts. Liverpool eventually won the game, with Sadio Mane’s goal proving to be the winner.
With that being said and done, here is how the fans reacted on Twitter:
Robertson’s 1st half:
85% pass accuracy
7 crosses
3 chances created#LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/6CscOidTfm— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) 19 August 2017
If you think this sqaud is good enough to compete then your deluded. Same old story. Don’t worry though, we’ve got a new shop and pitch.
— Paul Rimmer (@Rimmer306) 19 August 2017
Sign Draxler
— Evʌn (@evdeanc) 19 August 2017
Lucky to get the win, no creativity without coutinho, Roberton done well though, sign some world class players or no top 4.
— Truth Seeker. (@liverman86) 19 August 2017
Dear manager! Dear whatever! We want secured Wins! We want championship after more than 25 years! Please do sth for #defence
— Koosha (@kooshagm) 19 August 2017
Nothing to be happy about, U need transfers! When d season starts2 get difficult you will need the signings so sell us coutinho @ ur price
— Cecilia Barca❤Messi (@Cecilia62697503) 19 August 2017
It was a massive win for us, we defended with confidence, Gomez was great, Robertson was on fire
— Mfreke (@mfreke36) 19 August 2017
SAKHO !!!!
— em Nganu! (@panduneno) 19 August 2017
Not convincing win. This team can’t compete in UCL. @LFC fan.
— Emmanuel Truth (@ema_truth) 19 August 2017
Liverpool’s defending: pic.twitter.com/0ZWs6FyPg8
— Efan Hywel (@EfanHywel) 19 August 2017
