- Isak and Robertson on the scoresheet
- Munoz pulled one back for Palace
- Wirtz sealed win in injury time
Liverpool have made the most of Aston Villa’s slip-up and jumped to fourth in the Premier League table following a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Arne Slot’s side started the game slow, but managed to go into the break with a 2-0 lead. Isak got on the scoresheet in the 35th minute, slotting the ball past Dean Henderson with his first shot of the match.
The Reds had Woodman to thank for keeping the scoreline intact as the goalkeeper pulled off an insane save on the goalline to deny Mateta in the 39th minute. Seconds later, Andy Robertson scored at the other end after a lightning counter, led by Curtis Jones and the left-back.
The home side were pushing for a third goal in the second half, but a controvertial moment saw Crystal palace pull one back. Woodman saved a shot from Sarr at the edge of the six-yard box and could not get up as he seemed to have injured his right knee.
The ball fell to Munoz outside the box, who made the most of an empty net and chipped the ball in. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrhaima Konate were inside the box, but failed to react to the goalkeeper being down.
The game was set for a close finish, and the away side were constantly looking for an equaliser. Florian Wirtz ended their hopes with an injury-time winner from inside the box.
Here are the ReadLiverpoolFC full-time ratings:
Freddie Woodman – 8
The goalkeeper had a day to remember as he managed to do almost everything right. The goal was hardly his fault as he was down injured and the defenders should have done better.
Saved the shots every time he was called into action, and the first save of the match, which started the counter for the second goal, will not be forgotten by the fans quickly.
Curtis Jones – 7
Solid in defence and was the main reason why Liverpool had breathing space in the second half. His brilliant run and assist for Andy Robertson’s goal were crucial as they gave Slot’s side control of the game.
Ibrahima Konate – 8
Liverpool’s best defender today, as he was winning almost all his duels and also keeping Mateta quiet. He was always a step ahead of the Crystal Palace attackers, and was reading the game better than most players on the pitch.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7
A bit sloppy today, but did not get punished. Second half was much better than the first, as he looked off-pace and tired in the opening minutes of the game.
Andy Robertson – 8
The Scotsman was more involved in attack than defence today. If it was his final goal at Anfield, what a way to end things! He was up and down the left flank today, and hardly troubled by Sarr and Munoz.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
He was playing in a deeper role today, but ended up with two assists in the match. The assist for Isak’s goal came from a shot, which the Swede controlled well before scoring, and it was the first time the Argentine went forward to help the attackers.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
A quiet game for the Hungarian today, but he was all over the pitch. He was not getting the ball as often as he would have liked, but his positioning was key to not letting Palace take control of the midfield.
Mohamed Salah – 6
The Egyptian king had to go off injured today, and everyone will be praying that it was not his final appearance at Anfield. He was not at his best today, though he was the prime focus of most attacks in the first half.
Florian Wirtz – 7
The German had a game to forget, doing little but finishing it on a high. He scored from inside the box, and that was enough to seal the win for the Reds and also help the Reds’ star with his confidence.
Cody Gakpo – 6
The Dutchman was hardly getting on the ball and was isolated from his teammates in the game. The attack was flowing through the right, and that saw him just waiting on the left wing, hoping to see one of the crosses get to him.
Alexander Isak – 9
Decent outing for the striker as he continues his recovery from the leg break. Scored in the first half, in what can be described as creating his own chance, and went off in the 79th minute for Ryan Gravenberch.
Substitutes
Jeremie Frimpong – 7
Came on for Salah after the Egyptian went off injured at the hour mark. He was unable to do much in attack, and did not have to do a lot in defence towards the end either.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Came on for Isak to see off the game, but hardly got a sniff of the ball. Managed to get just five touches and three passes in his 15+ minutes on the pitch.
Milos Kerkez – 7
The left-back will be thanking his stars that he spotted Sarr at the right time, as the Crystal Palace star sneaked in behind him inside the Liverpool box late in the game. His block stopped the second Palace goal.
Joe Gomez – 7
Came on for Curtis Jones in the final stages of the match and did not have a lot to do.
