Liverpool travelled to London to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the back of their emphatic 4-0 opening day victory against West Ham United at Anfield. The Reds established their dominance early on but were denied by some organised Palace defending. However, the away side managed to get the lead just before the stroke of half-time when Mohamed Salah was brought down inside the Eagles box. James Milner stepped up to convert from the spot.
Roy Hodgson’s men fought well in the second half but suffered a significant setback when Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off. The Merseyside club regained some control of the game and secured the three points in injury-time through Sadio Mane’s lung-bursting goal. Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners on the night as Palace fans were left to ponder on what could have been.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the contest against the Eagles.
GK: Alisson Ramses Becker – 8/10
The Brazilian goalie was superb with his distribution and made some excellent saves when called into action. He continues to look like a class act in a Liverpool shirt.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
The English youngster dealt with Zaha’s pace well and his speed was a real asset for the Reds at both ends of the field. His crossing left a lot to be desired in the first half, but it got better as the game went on.
CB: Joe Gomez – 8.5/10
The Reds defensive ace was outstanding in defence and performed well under pressure. He was also good with his distribution and put on a matured performance on the night.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 9/10
The Dutchman was excellent at organising his backline and led the team well from the back. He also made some crucial clearances with his head and got a deserved clean sheet for his efforts.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7.5/10
Not his best game for the Reds in the opposition third, yet the Scottish left-back looked assured while defending and helped his team keep another shut-out in the league.
CM: James Milner – 8/10
The English veteran kept his composure to convert from the spot and put on another tireless display at the heart of the Reds midfield.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 8/10
The Dutch midfielder was a work-horse and acted as a wonderful linchpin between defence and attack.
CM: Naby Keita – 8/10
The Guinean made a mesmerising turn in the first half and played a magnificent long pass to Mohamed Salah who failed to convert the chance. However, Keita’s effect on the game wore off in the second half, and he was rightfully subbed off before the end of the match.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egyptian speedster missed some good chances to score but earned the penalty for the Reds just before half-time. He was also at the centre of every Liverpool attack and made two assists on the night.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian often dropped deep and played some incisive passes, but he failed to be a threat inside the Palace box.
LM: Sadio Mané – 8.5/10
The Senegalese scored a fantastic goal in the dying embers of the game to wrap up the points for Liverpool.
Substitutes
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The Liverpool captain came off the bench to boss the midfield and ensured maximum points for his team.
CM: Adam Lallana – N/A
He had very little time to make any meaningful impact for the Reds.
ST: Daniel Sturridge – N/A
The English forward came on to run the clock down in injury-time.
