Liverpool secure three more points in the Premier League against Crystal Palace in Selhurst Park
Palace are searching for their first win of the season, while Liverpool looked to extend their lead at the top of the points table. With a backline featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool made it difficult for Crystal Palace to pose any serious threat.
Van Dijk, in particular, delivered a commanding performance, essentially acting as a defensive wall. The biggest surprise of the match came when Alisson suffered an injury. While there are no updates yet, he was substituted in the 79th minute, with Vítězslav Jaroš stepping in. Tsimikas was also replaced by Andy Robertson.
Palace brought on Kamada for Chalobah, while Liverpool brought on Endo for Jones. Aside from the 9th-minute goal, it was a relatively slow-paced match, with little action to note. On a less positive note, both Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo received yellow cards, slightly overshadowing the record of an otherwise solid performance.
Things are looking bright for Arne Slot, as he retains the top spot in the Premier League, solidifying his reputation as a manager to watch.
Here are TKT’s player ratings of Liverpool players in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Alisson Becker – 7
Alisson had a standout performance, making four crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the game, particularly during first-half stoppage time. The Liverpool keeper showcased his reflexes when he dove to his right to thwart an effort from Ismaïla Sarr, who had made a clever run into the box after receiving an excellent pass from Lucroix. Eddie Nketiah attempted to capitalize on the rebound, but Ibrahima Konaté was on hand to ensure that didn’t happen, maintaining Liverpool’s clean sheet.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 8
Although the Scouser didn’t register any goals or assists, he excelled with his progressive passing and linked up effectively with Gravenberch. Defensively, he was immaculate, making two clean tackles and blocking one shot, demonstrating his all-round contribution to the team’s performance.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
He was spectacular in the first half, making two crucial clearances and effectively neutralising the attacking trio of Eberechi Eze, Eddie Nketiah, and Ismaïla Sarr. His defensive prowess played a key role in maintaining Liverpool’s solid performance.
Virgil Van Dijk – 8
He faced pressure on the ball but handled it well in the first half. After the break, he continued to impress, delivering a superb pass that set up a chance for Salah. However, he survived a penalty appeal when he seemed to have grabbed Palace’s Marc Guehi during a corner. His ability to read the game was evident, as he masterfully made three interceptions throughout the match.
Konstantinos Tsimiskas – 7
Played a fine through ball in the build-up to the opening goal and defended well in the first half. Put under more pressure defensively after the break and was subbed in the 78th minute.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
He delivered a spectacular performance as usual. With two key passes, he showcased his influence on the game and contributed significantly to Liverpool’s attacking play. Dictated play and should have had an assist when his cross teed-up Jota.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
He should have gone for goal when he dummied a cross from Salah and was less involved than he would have liked in the first half. He was substituted at the break and replaced by Szoboszlai, finishing the match with just 27 touches.
Mohammed Salah – 7
He had limited goalscoring opportunities in the first half and struggled to make an impact on the game. After the break, he appeared subdued and seemed caught in two minds during a key goalscoring chance before being substituted in the 72nd minute.
Curtis Jones – 7
He received a warning from the referee for consistent fouling but maintained good possession of the ball in the first half. In the second period, he played deeper and achieved an impressive passing accuracy of 98%, including two key passes.
Cody Gakpo – 9
He showcased great acceleration to evade his marker and assisted Jota’s opener. After the break, he impressed by effectively getting up and down the flank, breaking through the defence and Guehi with an impressive five key passes.
Diogo Jota – 7
He took his goal brilliantly by darting in front of the Palace defence, causing problems with his movement. He had a chance set up perfectly by Gravenberch to double the advantage but missed. After the break, he could have secured a clearer lead for the Reds. Although not as clinical as usual, he still emerged as the match-winner, with another opportunity to score late in the game but failed to convert.
Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Brought on and added energy to the game and had one effort saved.
Luis Diaz – 6
Played a key role in pushing Liverpool up the pitch.
Vitezslav Jaros – 8
Impressed on his unexpected debut, expertly reading an Eze shot and rushing off his line in the closing moments.
Andy Robertson – 6
Helped Liverpool maintain their lead and ensured they saw the game out.
