Liverpool player ratings for Premier League loss to Crystal Palace
Liverpool's Premier League title hopes took a massive hit on Sunday as their wastefulness in front of goal once again cost them dearly as Crystal Palace held on for a 1-0 victory at Anfield.
The Reds fell behind early but slowly grew into the game and once again began creating chances galore, especially in the second half. However, even with clear chances falling to a variety of players throughout, the football universe would not allow a Reds goal.
Woodwork, shanks, blocked shots and more contrived to break Liverpool hearts on this day. Let's see how the Liverpool players rated.
Alisson - 7/10 - It was not the welcome back he was looking for as he had no chance for the Palace opener. However, made some fine stops afterwards to keep the game close. Ball distribution was solid as ever.
Conor Bradley - 6/10 - It was an energetic first half from Bradley as he was trying to get stuck in wherever he could. However, did not offer much going forward and was forced off right after halftime with a nasty looking ankle injury.
Ibrahima Konate - 4.5/10 - It was not the best day for Konate as he struggled with the pace of the game and his marking was all over the place. Some loose passes and touches at the back only added to the nerves in the stadium.
Virgil van Dijk - 5/10 - It was a very middling performance from the Captain as he failed to make an impact on either end of the pitch. Lost control of the backline early on and afterwards had some wayward headers from corners he could have attacked better.
Andy Robertson - 7/10 - He was the best player for Liverpool on the day. Bombing forward often and was the best attacking outlet for the Reds. A brilliant goal line clearance as well for the highlight reel. He looked at his all-around best in this one.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5/10 - It was another forgettable performance from Macca as he has seen a frightening and sudden drop in form. He tried moving things forward but too often his passes were off the mark or the incorrect one.
Wataru Endo - 4/10 - That is a hattrick of poor outings from Endo as he once again failed to make any sort of impact on the game. Could not keep up with the pace of play and looks lost for confidence at the moment. Struck the crossbar amidst a wild scramble. Subbed.
Curtis Jones 5.5./10 - Tried to make things happen early on and was a willing runner on both ends. However, his impact waned and he failed to put his shot on target when clear through on goal on a counter late. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah - 5.5/10 - This was Salah's most absentee performance in a long time. Largely invisible for long swaths of the game but had a few moments of creative juice. Had a shot inside 5 yards blocked by great defending late on.
Darwin Nunez - 5/10 - Was a willing runner as always but the end product is what matters with him. Put a few shots on target including a well struck rebound but both straight at the keeper. Tried making the difficult passes over what was in front of him. Subbed.
Luis Diaz - 6/10 - Was not afraid to attack the Palace defense and created some half-chances for himself and others. Tired in the second half as his impact fell off. Subbed.
Subs
Dominik Szoboszlai - 6.5/10 - Came on at halftime for Endo and looked a bit more like himself. Got forward well enough and put the ball in some dangerous areas. Did not get a moment of brilliance like we saw earlier this season from him.
Diogo Jota - 6/10 - The man that was supposed to end Liverpool's finishing rut also fell victim to the curse as he had a wide open goal from a Szobo pass only to see his shot blocked. Put himself in good areas but just couldn't connect.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 5/10 - He looked rusty after coming on for the injured Bradley. His vision was still there but the execution was lacking on more than one occasion. Blasted a long range effort over the bar. Ball distribution will surely improve with more minutes.
Cody Gakpo - 6.5/10 - Another bright outing from the bench for Gakpo as he instantly brought energy and confidence to the attack. The Liverpool threat picked up when he was attacking down the wing. Should start on Thursday.
Harvey Elliott - 5.5/10 - Came on too late to have a true impact on the game but still did what he could trying to move the ball forward when he had the chance.