Liverpool manager Arne Slot has singled out one of his players for a crucial mistake made just moments before Crystal Palace snatched a dramatic late winner in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat at Selhurst Park.
Palace struck first early on when Ismaila Sarr netted his fifth career goal against Liverpool in just nine minutes. Despite the reigning Premier League champions boasting attacking talents like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Mohamed Salah, Oliver Glasner’s side held onto their lead for most of the game.
Liverpool thought they had salvaged a point when substitute Federico Chiesa grabbed an 87th-minute equaliser. However, deep into stoppage time, summer transfer target Marc Guehi flicked the ball into the path of Eddie Nketiah, who fired past Alisson to seal a dramatic victory for Palace.
The win lifted Palace to second place in the table, just three points behind leaders Liverpool, leaving them as the only unbeaten team in the league.
After the final whistle, Liverpool fans quickly voiced their frustration, with Ibrahima Konate coming under heavy criticism for his display before being substituted for Jeremie Frimpong in the 74th minute.
In his post-match press conference, Slot revealed his disappointment and hinted at the player he felt was at fault for the late goal:
> “One of our players decided to run forward because he wanted to start a counter-attack, which made no sense as the game was nearly over. At that moment, it was only about defending. Maybe we were too attack-minded – well, not the team, just one player – and that mistake cost us the match.”
Slot stopped short of directly naming the player, but replays showed Mohamed Salah was the only Liverpool player not defending in the penalty area during the decisive moment. Additionally, Frimpong appeared to step up briefly, leaving Nketiah unmarked.
When asked about conceding twice from set pieces, Slot said:
> “No, my concern isn’t just the set-piece goals. They also had chances from open play and transitions. Alisson saved us in many situations. Palace could have been two or three goals ahead by halftime, so there are plenty of things we need to improve.”
Liverpool will now look to bounce back quickly as they head to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Palace turn their attention to a Conference League clash against Dynamo Kyiv in Poland on Thursday.
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