Liverpool held on to their joint-top position in 3rd place having produced a master-piece-like attacking display at Selhurst Park to come out tops in a 4 – 2 thriller.
Goals from Can, Lovren, Matip and Firmino helped Klopp secure a hard-fought victory after McArthur’s brace had threatened to deny the visitors all 3 points.
The Reds performed thus:
Karius
Came out late off his line for the host’s first equalizer, and also failed to make any meaning of a large chunk of his serves and supposed ball-playing abilities. Made a couple of decent saves. Any better than Mignolet?
Rating : 3/5
Clyne
Put in another display that would have convinced Barcelona of his attacking qualities as he regularly burst forward whenever Liverpool went towards Mandanda’s goal. Had little or no defending to do.
Rating : 3/5
Matip
Got his first Liverpool goal with a thumping header having been left unmarked during a Coutinho’s corner. Also gave Benteke a tough time at the back and won his tussles with the former Liverpool man.
Rating : 4/5
Lovren
While he quickly rectified his howler that gifted Palace their first goal by scoring Liverpool’s 2nd, he also put the Reds defensive shortcomings to bare by coming 2nd best in allowing McArthur bag his brace.
Rating : 2/5
Moreno
Did nothing to stop Zaha’s cross and eventual assist for the 2nd goal as he practically gave the former United player all the time and space in the world. Could have gotten a goal as his strike from a Coutinho laid pass struck the upright. Laid the fine assist for Can’s opener.
Rating : 3/5
Can
Got his first league goal and tried to prove he might be a better option to the recovering Dutch midfielder. The coach will decide.
Rating : 3/5
Henderson
The silent hard worker was influential in the middle for the visitors, and he played a long through ball to Firmino to put the game beyond doubt. Klopp couldn’t have asked for more from him skipper.
Rating : 3/5
Lallana
Wasn’t particularly able to make his traditional runs, perhaps a result of his recent recovery. Wasn’t bad and wasn’t particularly superb. Came off for Wijnaldum in the 2nd half.
Rating : 3/5
Mane
Could have gotten his name on the scoresheet on a couple of occasions in both halves having been played through on goal and given fine passes. Yet, he was an attacking threat all game.
Rating : 3/5
Firmino
Chipped Henderson’s through ball over the onrushing Mandanda to secure all 3 points for Liverpool. Dropped deep and to the wings as usual to help with the attacking build-up.
Rating : 4/5
Coutinho
Got 2 assists from corner kicks and could have gotten a goal or 2 as well, as he forced the French goalie to a fine save and shot into his hands respectively in the first and second half. Another brilliant performance from the Brazilian.
Rating : 4/5
SUBSTITUTES
Wijnaldum
Brought in as Lallana’s replacement to dictate the game’s tempo and pace, and he did exactly just that to help Liverpool maintain their lead.
Rating : 3/5
Origi
Wasn’t able to make any impact with the little action he saw as an 89th-minute sub.
Rating : Not available
Klavan
Came on with barely 2 minutes to go.
Rating : Not available