Liverpool’s Unbeaten Run Ends in Dramatic Fashion
Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season came to a dramatic halt as Eddie Nketiah struck in the 97th minute to give Crystal Palace a stunning 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.
The reigning champions appeared to have secured a point when Federico Chiesa equalised in the 87th minute, cancelling out Ismaïla Sarr’s early goal. However, a long throw deep into stoppage time was recycled back into the box, and Nketiah reacted quickest to smash home the winner, leaving the travelling Liverpool fans stunned and handing Arne Slot’s side their first league defeat of the campaign.
Slot Points to Mental Lapse at Crucial Moment
After the match, head coach Arne Slot hinted at a costly lapse in concentration without singling out a specific player. He suggested that one individual’s “attacking mindset” in the final stages had left Liverpool vulnerable at a moment when protecting the draw should have been the focus.
> “Sometimes it’s about recognising the situation,” Slot said. “At 1-1 in stoppage time, we needed to defend first, not continue to push forward.”
Many observers pointed to Jeremie Frimpong, who replaced Ibrahima Konaté for the final 15 minutes. Frimpong’s attacking tendencies offered an extra threat but also disrupted defensive stability, though Slot’s message was ultimately about team discipline rather than one mistake.
First-Half Struggles Against Palace’s Press
Liverpool’s problems extended beyond the late goal. For much of the first half, Palace controlled proceedings. Their high press forced Liverpool into errors, and Jean-Philippe Mateta provided a constant physical presence up front.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was called upon multiple times to keep his side in the game, making vital stops to deny Mateta and Sarr. Mateta also struck the post as Liverpool struggled to establish rhythm or progress through midfield.
Chiesa’s Equaliser Provides False Hope
Liverpool improved after the interval, with better movement and rotations creating openings. Their persistence paid off late when Chiesa ghosted in at the far post to level the score.
For a brief moment, it seemed Liverpool would escape with a point. But Palace’s relentless set-piece threat eventually told, as a well-worked long throw led to Nketiah’s decisive strike.
Key Talking Points
Frimpong for Konaté: The 74th-minute substitution increased attacking impetus but weakened defensive shape, particularly on second balls.
Konaté’s Early Struggles: The defender had a tough battle with Mateta and was on a booking, likely prompting his withdrawal.
New Signings Settling: Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz showed glimpses of quality but lacked sharpness. Wirtz missed a big chance, while Isak was largely contained.
Chiesa’s Impact: His late goal demonstrated his knack for clutch moments in tight games.
Palace’s Set-Piece Mastery
Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have become known for their organisation and precision in dead-ball situations. The winning goal reflected their preparation:
Marc Guéhi challenged for the initial throw.
Will Hughes reacted first to the second ball.
Nketiah anticipated the loose ball and finished clinically.
This was no fluke but the product of deliberate planning, extending Palace’s unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions.
Frustrations with Officiating
Liverpool’s bench grew increasingly agitated with refereeing decisions:
Slot was booked for protesting a corner that preceded Palace’s opening goal.
Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, and Alisson were visibly irritated by delayed offside flags, which forced them to play on in risky situations before decisions were finally made.
These moments didn’t determine the result but contributed to the chaos of the afternoon.
Alisson Shines Despite Defeat
If there was a positive for Liverpool, it was Alisson’s exceptional performance.
He produced several crucial saves, including a sharp reflex stop to deny Sarr and a brave one-on-one block against Mateta. His efforts kept Liverpool in the contest long enough for Chiesa’s equaliser and underlined his importance to the team.
Lessons for Slot’s Liverpool
This defeat offered important takeaways for the defending champions:
Set-Piece Vulnerability: Four of Liverpool’s seven conceded goals have come from set plays or second phases.
End-Game Management: Players must recognise when to close out a game rather than chase a winner.
Midfield Control: Their inability to dictate play early left them exposed to Palace’s direct attacks.
Slot’s comments about “one player” were less about blame and more about stressing collective discipline under pressure.
Bigger Picture
Despite the setback, Liverpool remain near the top of the table with five wins from six games. Slot’s system—fast, expansive, and reliant on full-backs—is still taking shape, and the team has shown resilience in previous matches.
The loss, however, highlighted the challenges of transitioning to a new coaching era. Champions are often judged by their response to adversity, and the coming fixtures will test Liverpool’s resolve.
Palace’s Rising Reputation
While Liverpool will reflect on their shortcomings, credit must go to Palace. Glasner has built a well-drilled, confident side whose unbeaten run now stretches to 18 games.
Defeating the reigning champions reinforced Selhurst Park’s status as one of the league’s most daunting away venues and confirmed Palace as more than just spoilers—they are a team with tactical clarity and growing ambition.
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