Crystal Palace: Conor Gallagher underwhelms in defeat to Liverpool | OneFootball

Crystal Palace lost 3-1 to title-chasing Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon as the Reds closed the gap on first-place Manchester City to nine points after the Citizens drew 1-1 at Southampton on Saturday.

The hosts went behind after just eight minutes as defender Virgil van Dijk converted with a header directly from a corner before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled Jurgen Klopp’s side’s lead before the interval.

Palace did halve the deficit through Odsonne Edouard but the defeat was confirmed when Fabinho converted from the penalty spot late on.

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The defeat leaves Patrick Vieira’s side in 13th place after a tricky contest for the south London club.

Some of the Eagles’ players shone despite difficult circumstances, whereas others were below par with top scorer Conor Gallagher proving to be particularly underwhelming.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation for Palace since joining on loan from Chelsea in the summer, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in 19 Premier League matches.

However, the midfielder endured a tricky afternoon at Selhurst Park against Liverpool.

According to SofaScore, the Englishman lost possession 16 times whilst making 52 touches over the course of 90 minutes, an average of losing the ball every 3.2 touches.

Gallagher was also underwhelming in the attacking department, squandering a big chance whilst also managing just one shot, which was off target.

Although the 21-year-old enjoyed an 81% passing success rate, his crosses and long balls were well below standard, failing to complete any.

On an afternoon where Palace had 43.2% of the ball, there was a lack of grit in the middle of the park with Will Hughes also struggling, earning a match rating of just 6.1, as Liverpool dominated proceedings whilst Gallagher made five fouls, eventually receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, as well as only managing one interception and one tackle and no clearances or blocks.

Who was worse for Palace vs Liverpool?

Conor Gallagher

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Will Hughes

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Of course, the Selhurst Park faithful shouldn’t be particularly concerned by the Englishman’s display given the fact that they were playing the league’s second-best team who were impressive in south London.

Moreover, the midfielder has already been the star man on numerous occasions and seeing him run the midfield against one of Europe’s best sides and orchestrate a shock victory for the Eagles would’ve been a particularly tall ask.

What the performance will highlight, however, is that Gallagher will have to improve when playing the league’s top sides if he has aspirations of being a regular for Chelsea.

Whilst Crystal Palace don’t expect to get results against the likes of Liverpool, Thomas Tuchel’s side will if they are to be successful.