EPL Index
·5 October 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·5 October 2024
Liverpool’s strong start to the Premier League season continued with a gritty 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Diogo Jota’s first-half strike proved enough for the Reds, but the victory came with a concern as goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off with a hamstring injury in the closing stages. While Liverpool maintained their momentum, Crystal Palace were left still searching for their first win in what has been a tough start to their campaign.
Liverpool entered the match as favourites, having been in fine form with five consecutive victories across all competitions. Crystal Palace, by contrast, were struggling to find rhythm, and this contest highlighted the difference in form between the two teams.
The decisive moment came in the first half when Diogo Jota capitalised on some poor defending from Palace. Cody Gakpo, a lively presence down the flank, delivered a low cross into the box, which Palace failed to deal with. Jota, as sharp as ever in front of goal, was on hand to guide the ball past Sam Johnstone, ensuring Liverpool took the lead.
It was a scrappy goal, but one that showcased Liverpool’s pressing and the ability to punish mistakes—an area where Palace, under pressure for much of the first half, struggled to cope.
As the match approached its conclusion, a potentially significant blow hit Liverpool. Alisson, who had already made crucial saves to keep Palace at bay, appeared to pull up while making a routine clearance. His discomfort was immediately apparent, and Arne Slott had no choice but to substitute his number one. The Brazilian was replaced by young Czech goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, making his debut in a high-pressure situation.
Photo: IMAGO
Though Jaros was called into action briefly, Palace did not mount the kind of sustained pressure that might have troubled the debutant. Eberechi Eze had one shot on target following a Palace break, but Jaros dealt with it comfortably, ensuring Liverpool left with all three points.
For Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, this was another frustrating afternoon. Despite flashes of attacking promise, including an early disallowed goal by Eddie Nketiah and several efforts from Ismaila Sarr and Eze, they failed to really test Liverpool’s defence consistently. Alisson’s performance before his injury was key in maintaining the clean sheet, as the Brazilian kept out Nketiah and Eze with two smart saves early in the second half.
Palace, now winless in seven matches, have shown glimpses of quality but are struggling to turn possession into points. Despite playing a Liverpool side that was below its best, they failed to create enough clear-cut opportunities to salvage anything from the game.
Liverpool’s victory, their sixth in a row in all competitions, moves them four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily. However, the injury to Alisson will be a major concern for Slot, especially with key fixtures looming on the horizon.
As the title race intensifies, the depth of Liverpool’s squad will be tested. Jaros showed composure after coming on, but whether he or backup Caoimhin Kelleher will be called upon to replace Alisson remains to be seen. For now, Slot will be pleased with his side’s resilience, even if the performance was not their most polished.
Photo: IMAGO
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain in the bottom three with just three points from their opening seven games. Hodgson’s side must find a way to turn their efforts into results, with upcoming fixtures critical to their hopes of climbing out of the relegation zone.