Liverpool faced off against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier today hoping to secure all three points and stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League standings. The Reds began the contest on the front foot and took the lead in the third minute courtesy of Takumi Minamino’s goal.
However, the Eagles responded positively but struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third. Jurgen Klopp’s men took advantage of the situation and doubled their lead in the 35th minute via Sadio Mane’s excellent finish. Roberto Firmino put daylight between the two teams just before the half-time break with his tidy finish from close range.
Liverpool were at their scintillating best in the second 45 minutes as they scored four more times through a goal each from Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino before Mohamed Salah scored a quick-fire brace to cap off a dominant 7-0 win for the Reds.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the clash against the Eagles.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6/10
The Brazilian keeper made some routine saves during the game and secured a comfortable clean sheet at the back.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10
The English right-back did his job defensively and picked up a deserved assist for setting up Henderson’s goal in the second half.
CB: Joel Matip – 8/10
Matip bossed the game at the back and secured an assist for setting up Salah’s first goal. It was a good day’s work for the Cameroonian international.
CB: Fabinho – 7/10
The Brazilian talent kept things solid inside his half and did enough to get over the line with the clean sheet intact.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 8/10
Robertson was always looking to create chances while venturing forward and got his name on the assists sheet when he set-up Firmino’s goal with a wonderful cross in the first half.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 9/10
The Liverpool captain was exceptional today as he completely ran the show at the centre of the park. He also found the back of the net with a classy strike from outside the Palace penalty box.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 7.5/10
The Dutch international retained possession well in midfield and created a lot of openings for others around him.
CM: Naby Keita – 8/10
Keita was quite effective with his running and passed the ball relatively well during the 90 minutes. It was a welcome return to first-team action for the Guinean midfielder.
LW: Sadio Mane – 8.5/10
The Senegalese speedster was a constant nuisance for the Palace defenders. He did well to score one and set up another goal during his time on the field.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 9.5/10
The Brazilian striker showed great control and technique in the lead-up to his first goal. His second strike was also a joy to watch when he opened his body well before producing a tidy chip to deceive Vicente Guaita. Firmino also got an assist as well during his time on the pitch.
RW: Takumi Minamino – 8/10
The Japanese international opened the floodgates by scoring an early goal with a clever finish from close range. He worked hard and put in a good show during the game.
Substitutes:
RW: Mohamed Salah – 9.5/10
The Egyptian wing wizard came on to set-up Firmino’s second goal before going on to score a quick-fire brace himself. His second goal was a stunning finish from long range.
CM: Curtis Jones – 7/10
Jones kept the ball moving well, but there was no goal for him today.
CAM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7.5/10
The English midfielder came off the bench to bag an assist.
