Liverpool’s title hopes took a massive hit after they suffered a defeat to Crystal Palace, courtesy of Eberechi Eze’s goal. The aftermath of the match was gloomy, with Jurgen Klopp visibly disappointed and Andy Robertson disheartened. The loss was even more damaging considering Liverpool’s recent struggles in the Europa League and their faltering performance in the Premier League title race.
Coming off a disappointing loss against Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals, Liverpool failed to bounce back at home as Palace secured a well-deserved victory. This win not only boosted Palace’s chances of avoiding relegation but also dealt a significant blow to Liverpool’s aspirations of winning the league. It is the first time since the Covid season of 2020-21 that Liverpool has lost two consecutive home games, and they have only themselves to blame for their lackluster performance. Although they showed improvement in the second half, it was too little, too late.
Prior to kick-off, Anfield paid tribute to the 97 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. The commemoration included a powerful rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and a moment of silence. Additionally, a mosaic displaying the number ’97’ appeared on the Kop.
Klopp had promised a strong response after the shocking defeat against Atalanta, but instead, Liverpool delivered a lackluster performance in the first half. They exhibited lethargy, poor ball retention, and defensive lapses. Even Alisson, who was making his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury, seemed affected by this general malaise. Palace took advantage of Liverpool’s mistakes and fully deserved their halftime lead, which could have been more substantial.
Palace, led by the talented duo of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, consistently broke through Liverpool’s defense. They exploited Liverpool’s weaknesses on the left side, targeting Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté. Despite the warning signs, Klopp’s team failed to react effectively and were eventually exposed by a fluid passing move from Palace. Adam Wharton, Olise, and Tyrick Mitchell combined to set up Eze for a precise finish. The goal highlighted Liverpool’s slow reaction and lack of organization in defense, as Eze found himself unmarked in front of the goal. This marked the fourth time in their last five Premier League home games that Liverpool conceded the first goal. Although Liverpool has shown resilience from losing positions this season, earning an impressive 27 points, they found themselves in familiar and unwanted territory once again.
Palace should have had a second before Liverpool cleared their heads when Van Dijk slipped, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to collect Eze’s pass and race through on goal. Mateta lofted his shot over Alisson, but lacked power and Robertson cleared it brilliantly off the line.
In the first half, Robertson was the only Liverpool player who performed at the required level. He hit the crossbar with a shot from a corner that fell to him inside a crowded six-yard box. Robertson also delivered a superb cross to Díaz at the back post, but Dean Henderson tipped his acrobatic volley over. Henderson almost gifted Liverpool an equalizer when he hesitated over a routine through ball, allowing Núñez to collect. However, Núñez overhit the cross to Díaz, who was offside. The 45th minute saw a moment that summed up Liverpool’s first-half performance: Díaz spun away from two Palace players and found Mac Allister with a nutmeg on Mateta, but the midfielder miscued the pass straight out of play.
Klopp made another change at half-time due to Liverpool’s sluggish display. Dominik Szoboszlai replaced the tired Endo and injected much-needed energy and accuracy. As a result, Liverpool improved significantly, but they were plagued by bad luck and poor finishing.
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Núñez had a great opportunity to equalize when van Dijk’s header from a Robertson corner fell in front of him seven yards out. Despite connecting powerfully, his shot struck Henderson and deflected over the bar. Mateta also had a similar chance, but his effort from close range went over the goal when Andersen headed an Eze free-kick back across the goal.
Liverpool were also guilty of unbelievable misses. Cody Gakpo, who came on in the second half, added to their threat immediately by firing a low cross into the path of Curtis Jones, but the midfielder lost control of the ball in front of the goal. Diogo Jota, another substitute, had a promising opportunity when Szoboszlai set him up, but his shot hit Nathaniel Clyne and went wide. Jones had the most glaring miss when played through on goal by Gakpo – he poked a poor shot badly wide when faced with Henderson.
In the first of seven minutes of stoppage time, Gakpo’s cross bypassed Anderson’s head – perhaps the first time the Palace captain didn’t intercept – and reached Salah, who was only three yards away from the goal.
A thrilling late equalizer seemed likely, but unfortunately Salah’s shot struck Mitchell, who once again showcased his skills, and ended up sailing wide. Liverpool didn’t pose much of a threat after that.
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