Liverpool FC bounced back to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield. The win took the Reds just two points away from clinching their first Premier League title in 30 years.
Mohammad Salah and Andy Roberton were drafted back into the starting line-up after sitting out the Merseyside Derby. Gini Wijnaldum replaced Naby Keita in Liverpool FC’s midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
The game started off with large spells of domination by the Reds. Palace’s attackers were unable to break down the Liverpool FC defense and could rarely attempt to start a counterattack.
A couple of decent chances fell to both Jordan Henderson and Wijnaldum. However, on both occasions, the midfielders were unable to trouble Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
The visitor were dealt a severe blow when their star man Wilfried Zaha had to be taken off the pitch in the 16th minute of the game. The skillful winger was replaced by Max Meyer on the left flank.
After Jordan Ayew gave away a free-kick at the edge of the box, it fell upon Trent Alexander Arnold to make the most of the opportunity. The young fullback took the responsibility with full stride and shot his free-kick with a wonderful curling effort into the corner of the goal.
Liverpool FC again dominated the match’s proceedings following Arnold’s superb goal. Fabinho lofted a weighted pass in Salah’s direction who was able to get past Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt. The Egyptian slotted the ball past Hennessey to give the hosts a 2-0 lead before the break.
After the second-half whistle blew, The Reds looked set to add a few more goals to their tally before the end of the game. It fell upon Fabinho again to help his team do so. The Brazilian international had a powering shot into the corner of the Palace goal, a strike similar to his effort against Manchester City FC earlier this season.
The fourth goal was scored through a delightful exchange of passes by the front three of the Reds. Firmino found Salah in a pocket of space, who found Mane running behind the Palace defense. Salah set up a wonderful through pass for Mane who took a composed strike past Hennessey to make it 4-0 for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Klopp soon introduced a flurry of changes from the Liverpool FC bench. Prospects Neco Williams and Harvey Elliot were both sent on the pitch to get some more playing minutes under their belt. The duo impressed in their limited time on the pitch, with Williams coming close to scoring the fifth goal for the hosts.
The victory was a very important one for Liverpool FC as they need just two points out of their remaining seven fixtures in the Premier League. However, the Reds can win their title as early as Thursday night when Manchester City FC visits Chelsea FC.
If Pep Guardiola’s side fails to beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool FC would be able to claim their much-awaited Premier League title.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 4-0
Possession: Liverpool FC- 73.3% Crystal Palace FC- 26.7%
Yellow Cards: Liverpool FC- 0 Crystal Palace FC- 0
Shots: Liverpool FC- 21 Crystal Palace FC- 3
Offsides: Liverpool FC- 0 Crystal Palace FC- 1
