Liverpool Hold Off Crystal Palace's Comeback To Win At Anfield

Liverpool shrugged off a 2nd half comeback from Crystal Palace before Wirtz delivered a knockout blow in stoppage time, giving the Reds the victory at Anfield. 

Having gone three consecutive games unbeaten, the Reds needed to consolidate their place in the top four to secure a UEFA Champions League qualification. Avoiding sliding into regression was at stake for Palace, even though they are four places away from the red zone. 

 Liverpool got off to a blistering start, weathered a fierce Crystal Palace resurgence, and Florian Wirtz’s ice-cold finish in the injury time was duly expected after a long day. The game’s first flashpoint arrived at 22 minutes when Curtis Jones was penalized for handball in the box, but VAR correctly waved away Palace's appeals. It was a reprieve Liverpool seized. 

Alexis Mac Allister struck a shot into Alexander Isak's path, who took one touch to set himself before rifling the ball into the top corner. Liverpool doubled the lead in the closing minutes of the first half when Curtis Jones drove through midfield and fed Andy Robertson, arriving late in the box to sweep a clinical finish beyond Henderson.

Palace sensed vulnerability. In the 64th minute, Ismaïla Sarr tested Woodman low to his left, and on 71 minutes the dam broke. Sarr’s initial effort was parried, but the ball fell to Daniel Muñoz 25 yards out. The Colombian needed no invitation, unleashing a ferocious right-footed drive that flew into the top centre of the goal

Just as Palace dared to believe, Liverpool’s quality was unhindered. In the third minute of added time, Mac Allister, who had run the game from midfield, threaded a pass into Wirtz’s path on the right of the area. The German’s first touch was immaculate, his second was emphatic, a right shot across Henderson and into the bottom-left corner. 

Overview 

Palace took the fight to Liverpool in the early stages, making many advances that forced the Reds to the back foot. The hosts gradually built up pressure through Salah, putting Palace under pressure. However, that was not enough to break their resolve until Isal found a space. 

The goal would not have stood if not for Jaydee Canvot keeping him inside after challenging Salah on the left. Palace kept composure, despite the deficit. Eventually, Salah's substitution impacted the Reds' attack. Dominik Szoboaslai and Cody Gakpo also contributed immensely to the game. 

Team Efficiency

In terms of defence, Palace did a good job, keeping the margin moderate. Canvot was the most prominent defender holding back the Reds, particularly Salah. Liverpool's defense was formidable enough to hold off. They did not recoil to defend without making attempts. Great job from Cody Gakpo, and Wirtz was rewarded for his efforts in the first half. 

The hour mark brought a double blow for the hosts. First, Mohamed Salah went down and, after a lengthy delay, was forced off with what appeared to be a muscular issue. Jeremie Frimpong was replaced at 59 minutes. Moments later, Virgil van Dijk required treatment, though the captain would soldier on.

Sarr was a challenge for the Red's defense. Even though he did not score a goal, he had plenty of chances to do so. Jean-Philippe Mateta was also a trouble for the Reds. Twice, he forced Freddie Woodman into sharp saves, including a header in the 40th minute, but Palace trailed by two despite six corners and a flurry of late pressure before the break.