A late goal from Roberto Firmino meant that Liverpool secured all 3 points against Crystal Palace.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the Reds with a cheeky finish past Eagles keeper Wayne Hennessey in the second half. Palace put a lot of pressure on the Reds back line in the period that followed.
Wilfried Zaha then went on to score the equaliser, credit to a neat finish. The game didn’t stay balanced for long as Bobby Firmino scored from a scramble resulting from a routine corner, 5 minutes from the full time whistle.
Alisson – 6.5
Routine game for the Brazilian. Got lucky when VAR disallowed the Tomkins’ goal as he was nowhere near to save the ball. Couple of regular saves to to deny Milivojevic and Townsend. Couldn’t have done any better to stop the goal.
Alexander-Arnold – 6
His misplaced pass almost led to a goal when Kouyate found Ayew, who missed by a whisker. Was very much involved in the game but his passes lacked accuracy and rtythm. Passed the test to mark Zaha successfully.
Van Dijk – 6.5
Another solid game apart from the goal. His long range passing was on point as well. Won the ball aerially quite comfortably against the tall Palace players. Should’ve dealt better with the situation when Zaha scored.
Lovren – 6.5
Good game from the Croat. Won his battles with Ayew except one chance. Was in the right place during the disallowed goal to keep the scores 0-0. Improving one game at a time.
Robertson – 7
Easily the best defender on the pitch for the Reds. Linked up well with Mane time and again to create chance down the left. Set up the Senegalese to score and put the Reds in command.
Fabinho – 7
Not up to his very bests but managed the game well enough. Ran the pitch’s length to win the ball multiple times. Now forms the fulcrum of that Liverpool midfield and is one of the most underrated players of the League these days Booked for a serious of fouls.
Henderson – 7
Encouraging game from the Three Lions star. Ran the show in midfield and sprayed the ball quite effectively. His performances go unnoticed manier times but the Skipper is very important with his psychological presence these days for the Reds.
Wijnaldum – 6.5
Below par display from the Dutchman. Probably fatigued from international commitments. Didn’t press for the ball like he normally does. Fell ball whenever needed.
Oxlade- Chamberlain – 6
Came in for the injured Egyptian Mo Salah but couldn’t replicate what the ‘Egyptian King’ has been doing from the right flank. Does seem like his best position is to operate from the centre of midfield.
Firmino 7.5
Couldnt convert a golden opportunity to put the away side 2-0 up. Looks like the Brazilian has deprecated on form since the start of the season. But all of a sudden the Brazil Star popped up with an ever so crucial match winner.
Mane – 8 MoTM
Could be the best player in the Premier League right now. The Senegalese is in red hot form and now has goals in 5 consecutive games against the Eagles. Finished with the tip of his boot to out it past Hennessey.
Substitutes –
Origi – 6.5
Came in for Chamberlain and improved the game attackwise. Didn’t have any chances to create a lasting impression on the pitch or scoreboard though.
Gomez – N/A
