Liverpool recorded a comfortable win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, continuing their strong start to the 2024/25 campaign.
Diogo Jota earned the only goal of the game as he marked his 100th start for the Reds. The visitors cruised to victory over Palace, who were lucky to only concede one against Arne Slot’s side.
How the game unfolded
Crystal Palace‘s Eberechi Eze took the first kick of the game and from the offset the action began.
Eddie Nketiah, desperate to end his side’s winless start to the league, cruised through Liverpool’s backline with ease before firing a ball into the back of the net. His strike was quickly ruled offside but it certainly upped the tempo as the Reds dug deep to prove themselves the dominant side in south London.
Minutes later, Jota marked his 100th Liverpool start by gifting his side a lead. The forward responded well to a perfect low ball from Cody Gakpo to outsmart Trevoh Chalobah and send a shot past Dean Henderson.
The chances came thick and fast for the visitors soon after, with Mohamed Salah just missing out on the opportunity to assist a clever strike as his cross for Alexis Mac Allister proved to be just out of reach for the Argentinian.
Palace were forced into an early substitution ahead of the 20 minute mark as Daniel Munoz fell to the ground before receiving treatment on the pitch. Nathaniel Clyne came on in his place, altering Palace’s midfield and causing worry among the Eagles fans.
As the clock continued, Liverpool’s counter press seemed too tough for Palace to compete with, as the hosts struggled to keep the ball long enough to generate any attacking play.
Their first real chance of the game arrived just before half-time as Ismaila Sarr came close to marking his first Palace start with a goal. His effort flew towards the bottom left corner of the goal but Alisson was able to prevent the hosts from equalising, picking up the ball before any further attempts could be made.
On the hour mark, Liverpool came close to earning their second of the game thanks to a free-kick into the box from Trent Alexander-Arnold. His shot flew towards Jota, who made contact with his head but was unable to demonstrate enough power to score.
Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson was forced to leave the pitch late in the game after suffering a blow, welcoming Vitezslav Jaros on in his place as Palace fought desperately to get something past the fresh keeper.
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