With an FA Cup title aura still surrounding them, Crystal Palace look determined to cause more headaches for the Premier League’s elite this season.
On Saturday at Selhurst Park, they halted Liverpool’s unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory, becoming the only side yet to lose a league game.
Liverpool knew the threat. Palace had already proven themselves a balanced, disciplined side, led by captain Marc Guehi, a defender Liverpool had pursued during the summer.
They had also beaten the Reds in August’s Community Shield on penalties, a result many wrote off as a preseason stumble.
But there was no excuse this time. Palace outplayed Arne Slot’s side in crucial areas, and Liverpool had only themselves to blame for their first defeat of the season.
Defensive Woes Resurface
The warning signs came early, and Liverpool’s defensive frailties again cost them. Palace took the lead in the first half through Ismaila Sarr, who pounced on a loose ball after Ryan Gravenberch’s poor defensive header under pressure from Guehi off Daichi Kamada’s set-piece corner.
Ibrahima Konate also endured a nightmare in the first half. He misjudged routine balls and committed sloppy errors at the back, allowing Palace dangerous looks.
If not for Alisson Becker’s relentless saves, Liverpool would have been punished even more heavily.
The Brazilian was the only Red to emerge with credit, denying Jean-Philippe Mateta and Sarr with outstanding stops.
Palace, who entered the match unbeaten as well, showcased exactly why they’ve become so difficult to beat: quick ball movement in midfield, a tireless press, and a direct threat through Mateta.
They forced Liverpool into awkward positions, with the visitors often caught scrambling.
“Palace have a few threats. Set-pieces are one of them but counter-attacks and balls in behind are number two and three, and from all these situations they've created a lot of chances,” Slot said.
Possession without penetration
Though Liverpool dominated possession, particularly after the break, it meant little. Palace’s defensive shape, anchored by Guehi and keeper Dean Henderson, who contributed three massive saves, refused Liverpool’s put-back momentum.
The Reds repeatedly resorted to hopeful crosses, which Palace’s backline handled comfortably with many successful clearances.
The numbers told the story: Palace had just 28% possession in the first half yet managed 10 shots, four on target. Liverpool, with all their control, produced only six attempts and two on target.
Slot introduced Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo, and Federico Chiesa in the second half to spark the attack, and Liverpool did flash with urgency.
They fired 14 shots after halftime and eventually equalized through Chiesa at the 87th minute, who struck late to briefly raise hopes of salvaging a point.
But Liverpool’s inability to solidify their defense proved costly, and Palace struck back with the winner by Edward Nketiah in the last minute, a script that usually belongs to Liverpool in stoppage time.
Final Word
For Liverpool, this defeat is more than just a blip. Palace’s balance and discipline exposed the cracks in Slot’s early system, particularly at the back.
Unless Liverpool tighten up defensively and find sharper ways to unlock compact, disciplined sides, more dropped points will follow.
Slot must reassess whether an offensive-oriented approach that often leaves chaos behind is sustainable.
Shoring up defensive leakages while diversifying attacking methods, not just leaning on high crosses, but also reintroducing short, incisive passing to break down low blocks, will be crucial.