Liverpool returned from their trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday with a 0-1 victory over Crystal Palace, just enough to make sure they remain at the top of the Premier League table after seven rounds. The only goal of the game was the work of Diogo Jota in the ninth minute, following some excellent work from surprise starters Kostas Tsimikas and Cody Gakpo.
The teams
Palace boss Oliver Glasner chose to arrange his men in a 3-4-3 system, with the idea of his man shifting into a 5-4-1 when defending. With Dean Henderson in goal, reported Liverpool target Marc Guehi marshalled the back line, with Trevoh Chalobah and Maxence Lacroix by his side. Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma were in the middle of the park, flanked by Tyrick Mitchell on the left and Daniel Munoz on the right. Up front, former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah had Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze in support.
For Liverpool, Arne Slot went with his usual 4-2-3-1 setup. Alisson Becker was between the posts, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate forming the centre-back partnership. On the left, Andy Robertson was given a rest in favour of Tsimikas, while Trent Alexander-Arnold retained his place on the right. Ryan Gravenberch partnered Alexis Mac Allister in midfield again, with Curtis Jones stepping in for Dominik Szoboszlai in the more advanced role. Gakpo and Mohamed Salah attacked from the flanks, with Diogo Jota leading the line.
The game
Palace started very well, making clear after only 27 seconds that this trip would be no picnic for the six-time European champions as Nketiah got on the end of a low cross from Sarr and chipped cleverly over Alisson. The ball went into the back of the net, but to the disappointment of the majority of the crowd in the stadium, the linesman’s flag rightly went up for offside.
Liverpool, however, responded decisively in the ninth minute. Tsimikas sent a fine pass through the Palace line, catching Munoz off guard and finding the run of Gakpo. The…
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Author : Veselin Trajkovic
Publish date : 2024-10-05 18:52:39
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