Liverpool came out on top on what was a one-way traffic on their visit to Selhurst Park. Merseyside beat Crystal Palace 1-0 thanks to a Diogo Jota goal in the first 10 minutes. Arne Slot had a few tactical changes implemented which are safe to be called on point. With Cody Gakpo and Konstantinos Tsimikas named in the starting lineup, it was just another day with the same result for Liverpool. 

While it may look like a narrow margin victory, the difference was huge. Liverpool controlled the possession for 69% of the match having almost thrice the number of passes compared to the Eagles. While the contest was involved with some dominating performances it took a turn with a controversy too. Here are the three talking points from Liverpool’s visit to Selhurst on Saturday.

1. Cody Gakpo making a statement comeback 

Cody Gakpo was one of the surprising names in the starting lineup being chosen over Luis Diaz. Gakpo who started his first game of the season in the Premier League. Not only did the Dutch forward make the most of his chance he proved his worth in the Merseyside squad. Gakpo started the game on the fly and always looked like a threat. While many would call his assist to Jota’s opener and highlight, his whole performance was noteworthy.

Gakpo was seen battling hard for the ball all game as he won six of his eight ground duels. His passing range was also displayed as he completed three of his four long balls too. In an overall review, the Dutchman’s first start under Arne Slot proved out to be a flyer as it also turns heads making you look at the squad depth now. Diaz who has started the season with possibly being the best left winger in the league has been challenged by his fellow teammate for his position now.

2. Virgil Van Dijk and Liverpool were not favoured by the referee 

In a certain change of events, Virgil Van Dijk found himself on the wrong side of the pitch for a certain time. In the second half, Crystal Palace demanded a penalty from the Van Dijk incident who was seen holding off Palace’s defender Marc Guehi. While it could look like an easy decision to make, the referee chose to not point at the spot. In the aftermath of the game, Premier League Match Centre gave justification of the decision through a social media post which said 

“The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Van Dijk on Guehi is checked and confirmed by VAR – deeming that the challenge was not sustained holding and had no impact on the play.”

For anyone who was pointing fingers at the referee, this statement should be taken into consideration. While it was a harsh situation created by Van Dijk in the tussle, it had very little to do with the ongoing gameplay to be awarded a penalty. 

3. Alisson walked off the pitch at 70th minute 

Liverpool’s victory at Selhurst Park came with a price. Alisson Becker who was out for two weeks due to injury was limping back to the dugout. In the post game talks, Van Dijk cared to put clarity on his situation saying: 

“Alisson’s injury doesn’t look good. It looks like a hamstring injury which was already bothering him, and from which he recovered.” 

Becker, who’s been the first choice goalkeeper, is speculated to be out of action for the rest of the year from what looks like a hamstring injury. With the coming tight schedule and high stakes games against Arsenal and Chelsea, this surely looks like a blow to Arne Slot side. It looks like the responsibility will be shared with Coaimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros who filled Becker’s boot as he walked off the pitch. 

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The contest between Liverpool and Crystal Palace turned out to be twisting and turning in the end. While most of us would’ve considered it to be an easy victory, fans were tempted to not leave their chairs till the last minute. This was Liverpool’s fifth clean sheet and sixth victory in eight games as they still are a point ahead of Manchester City.