Liverpool Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace: Reds Are Finally Beaten! Alisson Heroics Not Enough as Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate Struggle in Deserved Defeat

Crystal Palace End Liverpool’s Unbeaten Run

Liverpool’s perfect start to the season came to an abrupt halt on Saturday afternoon at Selhurst Park, as Crystal Palace handed the Reds a deserved 2-1 defeat. Arne Slot’s side were second best for the majority of the contest, and it was the Eagles’ Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah who proved the decisive difference-makers, keeping Palace as the only unbeaten team in the Premier League this season.

Palace began the game at a blistering pace, continuing the momentum from their recent 17-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Liverpool were immediately on the back foot, and a moment of misfortune led to Palace’s opener. A corner saw Ryan Gravenberch fluffed a clearance straight into Sarr’s path, and the winger didn’t miss from close range. Replays suggested the corner itself shouldn’t have been awarded, but Liverpool had no choice but to dig in after going behind so early.

Despite falling behind, Liverpool had a lifeline in Alisson, who produced a series of heroic saves to keep the Reds in contention. In the first half alone, the Brazilian denied Palace trio Yeremy Pino, Daniel Munoz, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, keeping Liverpool within reach heading into the break.

First Half: Alisson Shines as Liverpool Struggle

Liverpool’s defence looked shaky from the outset, and Palace capitalized. While Alisson’s saves were crucial, the Reds were largely reactive, with minimal control in midfield and an inability to fully exploit their attacking talent.

Florian Wirtz, deployed on the left due to Hugo Ekitike’s suspension, struggled to assert himself, while Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley had difficult afternoons dealing with Palace’s pace and direct play. Moments of quality were few, and the first half ended with Liverpool still trailing, but alive thanks to some miraculous goalkeeping.

Second Half: Late Fight, But Palace Holds Firm

The second half started with Alisson again showing why he remains one of the world’s best. He thwarted Mateta in a one-on-one, only for the Palace striker to be flagged offside. Liverpool began to grow into the game as the half progressed, but chances remained limited, and Florian Wirtz failed to convert a golden opportunity before being substituted.

Palace had a further chance to double their lead, with substitute Nketiah missing an opening, but the home side remained composed. Liverpool eventually found an equalizer through Federico Chiesa, who came off the bench to score a late goal. Yet, Palace responded in kind, with Nketiah capitalizing on a late long throw to clinch victory and send the home fans into raptures.

Goalkeeper & Defence Ratings

FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-LIVERPOOL

Alisson (8/10):

Alisson was easily Liverpool’s best player on the day, making a string of fantastic saves and preventing what could have been a far heavier defeat. His positioning and reflexes were impeccable, particularly in one-on-one situations.

Conor Bradley (4/10):

Bradley had a tough afternoon on the right-hand side. Yeremy Pino and Tyrick Mitchell exposed him repeatedly, and he was substituted at halftime after failing to make an impact.

Ibrahima Konate (4/10):

Konate struggled to handle Mateta’s physicality and movement. His aerial presence was minimal, and he even missed a headed chance from a corner. A frustrating afternoon for the Liverpool defender.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

Van Dijk had a mixed display. While some of his long passes created danger and he made key interventions, he was ultimately unable to organize the backline effectively, leaving gaps that Palace exploited.

Milos Kerkez (5/10):

Kerkez found it difficult to perform his usual attacking duties down the left flank, being more occupied with defensive duties than in creating chances.

Midfield Ratings

Crystal Palace v Liverpool – Premier League

Ryan Gravenberch (5/10):

Gravenberch’s misjudged clearance led directly to Palace’s opener. While he almost redeemed himself later with a chance of his own, he struggled against Palace’s press and lacked consistency.

Alexis Mac Allister (4/10):

Mac Allister had a subdued outing, offering little in terms of creativity. A few positive moments, including a pass to Isak, weren’t enough to swing momentum.

Attacking Player Ratings

Crystal Palace v Liverpool – Premier League

Mohamed Salah (5/10):

Salah had a quiet afternoon. His attempts to link play were limited, and his only real contribution came in a half-chance created for Alexander Isak, which went begging.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Szoboszlai grew into the game after a quiet first half. His shift to right-back brought energy, and he tried to influence the game with some clever passing and movement.

Florian Wirtz (4/10):

Wirtz struggled to make an impact from the left, though he was moved centrally after the break. He had a golden opportunity but scuffed the effort, leaving frustration in his wake.

Alexander Isak (5/10):

Isak had a couple of opportunities to open his Premier League account but failed to convert. The Swedish striker looked lively at times but ultimately lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.

Substitutes & Manager

Crystal Palace v Liverpool – Premier League

Cody Gakpo (5/10):

Gakpo injected some energy at halftime but was unable to significantly influence the match.

Curtis Jones (5/10):

Jones had a small impact, creating one opening for Szoboszlai, but it didn’t lead to a goal.

Federico Chiesa (7/10):

Chiesa’s introduction proved decisive. Despite picking up a yellow card early, he scored Liverpool’s equalizer and provided some attacking impetus off the bench.

Jeremie Frimpong (5/10):

Frimpong struggled to impact the game after coming on. He was energetic but ineffective in linking up play.

Rio Ngumoha (5/10):

Ngumoha replaced Isak late on but could not influence proceedings.

Arne Slot (5/10):

Slot had a tough afternoon tactically. With Ekitike suspended, he opted to play Wirtz on the left, which didn’t work. His decision to bring on Chiesa paid off, but overall Liverpool were second best for the majority of the match.

Tactical Analysis: Palace’s Game Plan Worked Perfectly

Crystal Palace executed their game plan almost flawlessly. High pressing, direct attacking, and intelligent movement created repeated opportunities, exposing Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses.

Liverpool’s defence struggled with Palace’s pace and physicality. Konate and Bradley in particular were overrun at key moments, while Van Dijk’s attempts to organize the backline were ineffective. Midfield control was minimal, leaving the team reactive rather than proactive.

In attack, Liverpool had flashes of quality, especially from Chiesa and Szoboszlai, but overall lacked the cohesion and clinical finishing required to overcome a well-drilled Palace side.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Liverpool

Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace serves as a reminder that the Premier League remains unforgiving. Despite heroic efforts from Alisson, defensive mistakes and inconsistency across the pitch allowed Palace to take the win deservedly.

For Arne Slot, the defeat is a challenge to address defensive lapses, improve midfield control, and find more clinical efficiency in attack. For Palace, the victory confirms their position as a formidable, undefeated side this season, capable of exploiting even the strongest opponents.

Liverpool now face the task of regrouping and addressing these weaknesses if they are to maintain a title challenge in what promises to be a tightly contested season.