Justice prevailed at Selhurst Park as a below-par Liverpool ran out of luck and a stoic, belligerent Crystal Palace ensured victory on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles dared the Reds as the Defending Champions succumbed moments before the match ended. Crystal Palace became the only team undefeated after Match Day 6 of the English Premier League 25-26.
There is no doubt that Liverpool have not been at their best, and though they had won all their 5 games in the EPL before visiting Crystal Palace, their victories had a stroke of luck almost on every occasion. It was a matter of time before their luck was about to run out of gas, and so it happened.
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, the Senegalese forward, put the Eagles in front just after 9 minutes. Sarr, in combination with JP Mateta, made some fine moves, but Alisson Becker made some incredible saves to defy the Eagles. Liverpool’s defence was time and again put to the sword, and had it not been for Becker’s heroics, Liverpool would have lost the match in the first half itself.
Liverpool dominated possession right through, and at times the match was played in Crystal Palace’s half. But again, the hosts were extremely organised in defence, and Liverpool just didn’t have a chance. They put on the pressure, but Crystal Palace were too good and offered no space for Liverpool to make an impact. In turn the Eagles made some brilliant moves whenever the opportunity arose.
It was not going to be easy for the Champions as they were made to sweat for their first goal. Alexander Isak once again failed to make any impact, and with Hugo Etikite suspended for the match, Arne Slot had few options upfront. However, Slot made a slew of changes in the midfield and introduced Federico Chiesa, the Italian, in a bid to get back on level terms.
The Italian obliged and scored in the 84th minute to force the match onto an even keel. Finally, Liverpool’s persistence had paid off.
But the Eagles had played better and deserved to win. A heartbreak for Liverpool was about to unfold as on the stroke of the long whistle and in the 7th minute of stoppage time, super sub Nketiah scored. It was a very close call for offside, but fortunately for Crystal Palace, the goal was allowed. Selhurst Park went into a raucous applause as fans jumped, let out a cry and crooned for their brave team.
Liverpool experienced their first defeat of the season, while Crystal Palace, having a remarkable start, remained the only team to stay undefeated in the EPL. Kudos to the Eagles and their Manager, Austrian Oliver Glasner.
For Liverpool, it was a wake-up call, and they need to improve, particularly in defence. The midfield has been good, but have lacked in finishing good moves. Alexander Isak needs to fire big time. Chiesa, in my opinion, needs to be given more playing time to be much more impactful. He has a happy knack of scoring goals, which is what Liverpool need at this hour.
The Eagles Have Dared.
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