Liverpool grabbed a vital three points at Selhurst Park thanks to Harvey Elliot to claim top spot in the Premier League. It is the second time in a week that Liverpool have won the game late on. Ten men Palace suffer another defeat amid speculation of a change in the dugout.
Here are five things we learned from the game
Liverpool leave it late again
In two of the last three league games, Liverpool have found themselves behind in the second half and gone on to win the game. Mo Salah’s deflected goal, and a beautiful effort from substitute Harvey Elliot not only bailed Liverpool out of jail, but the three points have Jurgen Klopp’s side of the pile.
It was a game in which Liverpool were struggling, but they showed a similar ‘never say die’ attitude to their 4-3 win against Fulham last week, by fighting until the death and grabbing the points away from Palace. The two leading teams in Liverpool and Arsenal just do not know when they are beaten, as they have demonstrated that in recent games, emphasising the incredible competitive nature of the Premier League this season.
Salah hits 200 goals
Mohamed Salah hit his 200th goal in a Liverpool shirt. The Egyptian struck from inside the box via a deflection mere seconds after the hosts were reduced to ten men. Salah has now also struck 150 Premier League goals for Liverpool in a landmark goal that helped the Reds on their way to victory, and to the top of the Premier League table.
Up until Salah’s goal, Liverpool were unconvincing and failed to create clearcut chances, but the red card for Jordan Ayew sparked Jurgen Klopp’s men into life, and once Salah levelled the game, Liverpool looked like their rampant selves. It was another big moment for Liverpool from a player who so frequently comes up with the goods.
Liverpool’s penalty drama
Just before the half hour mark, Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty when Edouard was bundled over by Virgil Van Dijk. However, the penalty was checked and the referee’s attention was brought to a potential foul in the build up. Will Hughes had won the ball back from Wataru Endo, but it appeared the Crystal Palace man had fouled the Japanese central midfielder.
Referee Andy Madley took his time to check the monitor and eventually overturned his original decision which sparked dismay from the home support. It was a clumsy coming together, but it did look as if Hughes had fouled Endo.
Crystal Palace did get the rub of the green in the second half when Jarell Quansah appeared to foul substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta. After another lengthy VAR check, this time Andy Madley did award the penalty. The Frenchman tucked the spot-kick away with minimal fuss.
Ayew mad? Palace receive harsh sending off
Jordan Ayew’s two yellow cards may have been as soft as they come. The first yellow was for a petulant act, stopping Liverpool from taking a quick free-kick, perhaps justified but still soft. His second was for a foul, which did not seem like a yellow card type challenge. A coming together of bodies, and Ayew was penalised.
From there the game changed, Liverpool responded and equalised straight away and subsequently went on to win the game. Roy Hodgson will have a right to be furious with Andy Madley. The red card was a huge turning point in a frantic second half, to which Palace dropped three huge points.
Roy Hodgson on the brink?
There were grumblings of discontent after Crystal Palace’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last time out. Despite a much more encouraging performance against Liverpool, the calls for the dismissal of Roy Hodgson may still be heard amongst the Palace fan base. With Steve Cooper’s job apparently hanging by a thread at Nottingham Forest and Palace interested, it could be a seamless transition of managers at Selhurst Park.
The upcoming fixtures do not bode well for the Eagles, they have to play Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal in their next five Premier League fixtures. Will Steve Parish pull the trigger after suffering another home defeat?
