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Diogo Jota sealed the victory for the visitors and the wait for a first Premier League win of the season goes on for Crystal Palace.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrating after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
New Delhi: The Premier League’s Matchday 7 kicked off with a thrilling clash between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park. The hosts created promising chances but failed to capitalize, with Eberechi Eze missing a key opportunity. Despite not being at their best, Liverpool managed to grind out a 1-0 victory, continuing their winning streak under new manager Arne Slot. This win made Slot the first Liverpool manager to secure eight victories in his first nine games across all competitions keeping the Reds firmly on track just before international break.
The difference…
From the first whistle, Crystal Palace seemed to have made a dream start. Just 30 seconds in, Eddie Nketia got onto a ball and cross-passed it over Alisson to send Selhurst Park into raptures but his joy was short-lived as the flag went up for offside bringing an early scare for Liverpool. The visitors quickly shook off that moment and began asserting their authority on the game, showing patience and control in possession.
By the eighth minute, Liverpool had their breakthrough. A well-worked team move saw Kostas Tsimikas play Cody Gakpo into space down the left flank. Gakpo drove forward and delivered a pinpoint low cross into the box where Diogo Jota sneaked in at the far post, and calmly poked it past Sam Johnstone to give Liverpool the lead.
The Reds continued dominating possession from that point holding 73% of the ball and dictating the pace of the game. Their midfield led by a composed performance from Ryan Gravenberch created multiple openings though they couldn’t add to their lead. Jota almost nearly doubled his tally but failed to connect cleanly with a superb ball from Gravenberch.
Palace’s only glimmer of hope came just before halftime when Ismaila Sarr tested Alisson with a low drive but it wasn’t enough to trouble Liverpool’s commanding first-half display.
Plethora of chances
In the second half, Liverpool remained the dominant side controlling possession but once again struggling to convert their chances in the final third. Despite crafting several opportunities, the Reds couldn’t find the net to put the game to bed. Crystal Palace sensed a chance and introduced Jean-Philippe Mateta and the French forward immediately injected life into their attack forcing a save from Alisson shortly after coming on.
However, that proved to be Alisson’s last action of the game as he limped off injured with debutant Vitezslav Jaros stepping in to replace him. The Eagles, buoyed by Mateta’s presence began to look more dangerous but Jaros rose to the occasion. The young goalkeeper made two crucial saves denying both Eberechi Eze and Trevoh Chalobah.
Though Palace had some strong moments and could have leveled the match, particularly with penalty appeals turned down they lacked the finishing product.
Player of the Match
📊 | Virgil van Dijk vs Crystal Palace:
• Accurate Passes – 99/108 (92%)
• Chances Created – 1
• Touches – 116
• Accurate Long Balls – 9/13 (69%)
• Clearances – 2
• Interceptions – 3
• Ground Duels Won – 1/1 (100%)
• Aerials Won – 5/7 (71%)Best in the world!🇳🇱🔴 pic.twitter.com/skvvhhdaVK
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) October 5, 2024
Virgil van Dijk delivered another commanding performance at the heart of Liverpool’s defense. He effortlessly managed everything the Eagles threw his way. Throughout the game he remained calm and composed, reading the play well and cutting out any potential threats from Palace’s counterattacks. His leadership at the back was crucial as he ensured his side’s defense stayed organized.
A key moment came midway through the second half when he survived a penalty appeal after a slight tug on Marc Guehi but it never seemed like a serious infraction. Van Dijk’s presence made it clear that Liverpool’s defense was always in control and never looked like the Merseysiders would lose points.
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