Crystal Palace Shock Liverpool to Extend Unbeaten Run

Crystal Palace Stun Liverpool to Extend Historic Unbeaten Streak

Crystal Palace delivered a masterclass in intensity and execution to beat Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park, ending the Reds’ unbeaten start to the season and raising real questions about Arne Slot’s defensive setup.

Backed by the raucous Holmesdale Fanatics, Oliver Glasner’s side dominated the first half, with Ismaila Sarr’s early goal the only reward from an onslaught that could easily have resulted in a five-goal lead.

Despite Federico Chiesa equalising late in the 87th minute, it was Eddie Nketiah who delivered the knockout punch deep into stoppage time to cap one of Palace’s most significant home wins in a decade.

Glasner’s Eagles Soar Into Second Place

The win not only ended Liverpool’s perfect start, but also saw Palace rise to second in the Premier League, just three points off the top.

Glasner’s men are now on an 18-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, matching a club record set in 1969. They’ve already claimed wins over both Manchester City (in the FA Cup final) and Liverpool in this remarkable stretch.

“We played an amazing first half and had a deserved lead. We deserved the win,” said Glasner post-match. “To overcome the pressure of Liverpool… I’m delighted at the reaction of our team.”

Match Summary: Clinical and Courageous

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson joins the celebrations after Eddie Nketiah’s winner

• 9’ – Ismaila Sarr smashed home after chaos from a corner

• 34’ – Mateta hits the bar, Yeremy Pino and Munoz force saves from Alisson

• 87’ – Chiesa equalises after Liverpool pressure

• 97’ – Eddie Nketiah finishes a move started by a Marc Guehi throw-in

Liverpool’s fragility from set-pieces and open play was brutally exposed.

Liverpool’s Flaws Finally Punished

Liverpool had gotten away with slow starts and defensive lapses in previous games, riding their luck with late winners against Bournemouth, Burnley, Arsenal and Newcastle.

But against Palace, their lack of cohesion, especially in defence, caught up with them:

• Ibrahima Konate struggled throughout, while Virgil van Dijk was booked for dissent.

• Florian Wirtz was invisible aside from one tame shot.

• Alexander Isak, the £125m record signing, missed a key chance before being subbed to chants of “what a waste of money.”

Slot’s side missed Hugo Ekitike, suspended after celebrating a Carabao Cup winner with a second yellow. The Frenchman’s energy and five goals in seven games were sorely lacking.

Henderson, Guehi, and Wharton Shine for Palace

• Dean Henderson pulled off a sensational save to deny Gravenberch and made key stops throughout.

• Marc Guehi, once a Liverpool target, was dominant in defence and involved in the winner.

• Adam Wharton showed why many see him as a future England regular, orchestrating midfield with confidence.

Even without Eberechi Eze, sold to Arsenal in the summer, Palace are growing stronger each week.

Palace’s Growing Belief Under Glasner

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner congratulates Will Hughes after the win against Liverpool

Palace’s rise is no fluke.

Glasner has implemented a fearless, high-energy style. His sideline passion flows into the team, and the Selhurst Park crowd is feeding off the club’s belief.

With eight wins and 10 draws, Palace are now the only unbeaten team in the Premier League and enjoying their best start since the 1990-91 season, when they finished third — their highest ever top-flight position.

What They Said

Oliver Glasner (Palace manager):

“We made so many runs, the quality of the passes, runs into the box — it was excellent. You have to enjoy these moments.”

Arne Slot (Liverpool manager):

“We knew our luck would run out eventually if we kept allowing pressure. We weren’t good enough today. Palace deserved it.”

Final Thoughts

Palace were everything Liverpool weren’t: cohesive, clinical, composed.

And while the idea of Palace “winning the league” as the fans chanted may be optimistic, they have earned the right to dream. Glasner’s men look like they’re here to stay.