Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
Liverpool’s Premier League title charge continued in fine fashion with a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Diogo Jota’s early goal on his 100th start for the Reds proved enough to seal all three points as Arne Slot’s men maintained their momentum atop the league table.
In a hard-fought contest, Liverpool dominated possession but couldn’t add to Jota’s ninth-minute strike, relying on resolute defending and a determined midfield to keep the Eagles at bay. The win marks Liverpool’s sixth victory in seven matches of the 2024-25 campaign, reinforcing their position as league leaders.
Jota Marks 100th Start with a Crucial Goal
Liverpool began the match with a high tempo, but it was Crystal Palace who almost shocked the visitors within the opening minute. Eddie Nketiah found himself in a promising position after a cross from the right, only to have his chipped finish ruled out for offside.
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As Palace’s early energy fizzled out, Liverpool took control. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, the Reds carved open the Eagles’ defense. Kostas Tsimikas threaded a perfect pass down the left wing to Cody Gakpo, who delivered a precise low cross into the penalty area. Diogo Jota, ever the poacher, timed his run perfectly and slotted the ball home past Dean Henderson to put Liverpool ahead. It was the kind of clinical finish Jota has made a habit of during his time at Anfield, and the perfect way to mark his milestone 100th appearance.
Dominance Without a Second Goal
Following Jota’s opener, Liverpool enjoyed long periods of possession, controlling more than 80% of the ball midway through the first half. Cody Gakpo and Trent Alexander-Arnold both came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead, with Gakpo firing over from the edge of the area and Alexander-Arnold drawing a smart save from Henderson with a low, driven half-volley from distance.
The Reds continued to probe the Palace defense but were unable to find a second goal. Jota had another chance to extend Liverpool’s lead in the 34th minute when Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah combined to create space down the right. Gravenberch’s cross found Jota in the box, but the Portuguese forward mistimed his shot, and the chance went begging.
Before the break, Virgil van Dijk met an Alexander-Arnold corner at the near post but was unable to direct his header on target under pressure from Nathaniel Clyne. Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Crystal Palace reminded the visitors of their threat just before halftime, with Ismaila Sarr forcing Alisson Becker into a low save after a slick pass from Maxence Lacroix.
Palace Push Back in the Second Half
Head coach Arne Slot made a change at halftime, bringing on Dominik Szoboszlai for Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, and the pattern of the first half largely continued after the break. Liverpool dominated possession, but clear chances were hard to come by as Palace defended in numbers, looking to hit on the counter.
Mohamed Salah had an opportunity to put Liverpool two goals ahead in the 56th minute when he found space in the box, but his close-range effort was blocked by Henderson. Minutes later, Jota had another chance to give the Reds a cushion, this time connecting with a pinpoint free-kick delivery from Alexander-Arnold, but his header flashed wide of the post.
As the game progressed, Crystal Palace grew more confident in attack. Alisson Becker was called into action once again, diving low to stop a fierce shot from Nketiah after a neat pass from substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Reds were beginning to feel the pressure as the Eagles threw more players forward in search of an equalizer.
Alisson Injury Scare and Jaros Debut
Liverpool’s defense held firm under pressure, but their resolve was tested further when Alisson was forced off with an injury in the 79th minute. In his place came Vitezslav Jaros, making his senior debut for Liverpool. The young goalkeeper had an immediate impact, showing confidence in handling Eberechi Eze’s curling effort late in the game.
Image source: Liverpool fc
Crystal Palace nearly snatched a point in the closing stages when Mateta led a counter-attack, picking out Eze inside the box. However, Jaros was equal to the task, diving low to collect the ball and relieve the pressure on Liverpool’s defense.
Liverpool’s Defense Holds Strong
With Crystal Palace pushing for a late equalizer, Liverpool were forced to defend deep and rely on their midfield to break up play. Dominik Szoboszlai, who had replaced Mac Allister at halftime, played a key role in controlling the pace of the game and breaking up Palace’s attacking moves. His ability to transition quickly from defense to attack helped relieve some of the pressure on Liverpool’s backline.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk also stood firm, with Konate producing a commanding performance at the heart of the defense. His physical presence and ability to read the game were crucial in snuffing out several dangerous Palace counter-attacks.
Image source: Liverpool fc
With the clock ticking down, Palace launched one final assault, but Will Hughes’ speculative effort from distance sailed over the bar, and Eze’s shot in the dying moments was comfortably gathered by Jaros.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Masterclass
Much credit must go to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who has managed to implement his philosophy seamlessly into the squad. His decision to rotate the starting XI bringing in Jota, Gakpo, Tsimikas, and Jones—proved effective, with each player making a positive contribution. Slot’s tactical flexibility allowed Liverpool to maintain control of the game despite a few nervy moments late on.
The combination of possession-based football and aggressive pressing kept Palace largely on the back foot. While Liverpool were unable to extend their lead, their control of the game was evident throughout, and Slot will be pleased with how his team managed the latter stages of the match.
Liverpool’s Title Charge Continues
The win at Selhurst Park strengthens Liverpool’s grip on top spot in the Premier League, with six wins from their opening seven matches. Jota’s goal may have been the only difference on the day, but the defensive resilience and midfield control on display will give Slot confidence heading into a busy period of fixtures.
With several key players unavailable most notably Caoimhin Kelleher, who missed the match due to illness—this victory was a statement of intent from Liverpool. The ability to grind out a result in a tight game is the hallmark of a title-winning side, and the Reds will be hoping to maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s next few fixtures will present further tests, but with players like Jota, Salah, and Gakpo firing on all cylinders, and a defense marshaled by the imperious Van Dijk, the Reds look more than capable of extending their winning run.
As for Crystal Palace, they can take heart from their spirited performance, but they will be disappointed not to have come away with anything from the game. Their focus will now turn to upcoming fixtures as they seek to climb the Premier League table.
For Liverpool, this narrow victory at Selhurst Park could prove to be another vital step on the road to Premier League glory.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com