Full Time: Crystal Palace 0-2 Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have now made it two wins in two games and have once again justified their strong pre-season form. It proved to be a nervy game for the Reds, but Liverpool showed they now possess the depth and agility to grind out wins after beating Crystal Palace 0-2 on the night.
Mo Salah was brought down in the box by former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho, which was then converted by James Milner. In a game that saw Liverpool’s tantalising attacking trio being dealt with, the other players managed to step up.
A last-ditch tackle in the second half from Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw the right-back get sent off and Palace were forced to finish the game with ten men. Sadio Mane later scored his 6th goal against the Eagles in 8 Premier League appearances in the dying moments of the game.
Klopp will be happy to have started the season on a high note as it is vital that the Reds keep up the momentum in this period.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (9/10)
The Brazilian was called into action a number of times and dealt with it splendidly. He was calm and composed throughout the game. Alisson is the dominant and commanding goalkeeper Liverpool have always needed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)
Arnold seemed slightly sloppy in defence with Wilfried Zaha giving him a run for his money. The right-back’s crosses into the box were scuffed as well.
Virgil Van Dijk (8/10)
Once again, a strong performance from Liverpool’s leader at the back. Van Dijk made a number of tackles, clearances, and interceptions, giving Christian Benteke a torrid time in front of goal.
Joe Gomez (7/10)
Gomez once again excelled playing as Van Dijk’s partner. The defender showed impressive commitment, lunging into everything that came his way.
Andrew Robertson (9/10)
It was another superb performance from Liverpool’s left-back. Robertson whipped in a number of sublime balls into the box and duly tracked back to stop a couple of counters.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6/10)
The Dutch international endured a mediocre outing but played a crucial role with his bullying and short passes in the middle of the park. But he was guilty of giving the ball away on a few occasions.
James Milner (8/10)
Once again, James Milner delivered when it mattered the most. The midfielder just doesn’t seem to be bothered by his age and covers almost all the green on the field. It’s not a wonder that he’s been in the scoresheet in both the games so far.
Naby Keita (8/10)
Keita’s running and distribution was brilliant on the night, with the former Leipzig man dazzling the Liverpool fans with some slick moves against his opponents.
Mohamed Salah (7/10)
Salah just didn’t seem to have his scoring boots on today. The Egyptian failed to tuck away chances which he usually would, but nevertheless, picked up an assist on the night.
Roberto Firmino (6/10)
It was another quiet night for Firmino. The striker has been impressive with his pressing and interceptions in the opposition half but hasn’t been able to find a goal yet.
Sadio Mane (8/10)
Mane once again stole the show by scoring against Crystal Palace. With all the limelight on Salah, Mane popped up with a goal yet again. He was a constant threat on the left flank.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson (6/10)
Henderson came into the side and immediately took charge of the game. The English midfielder instantly began playing his football and distributed to all areas on the field.
Adam Lallana (4/10)
It’s almost as if Lallana is a new signing at the club. The midfielder came on and was yellow carded by the referee for a clumsy challenge in the final minutes that could have cost Liverpool.
Daniel Sturridge (N/A)
Last week’s goalscorer was brought on for the final minute of the game and was unable to influence the game any further.