Crystal Palace pulled off an impressive 2-1 win against Liverpool in an even match that saw the Eagles take all three points at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Crystal Palace took a quick advantage with a second-minute goal. Liverpool, though, had the last laugh, having fought back to draw level only for a last gasp goal to snuff out their progress.
As the Eagles from Crystal Palace took charge early in the match. On goal in the 9th minute, Ismaïla Sarr got them on the board, giving them the lead. This target established the mood for a volatile opening 45, one where Liverpool found themselves comprehensively off the beat. As the game neared the 75th minute, Crystal Palace were still in control with their 1-0 foundation. At that point, they looked set to seal all three points.
Liverpool did not fold and equalized in spectacular style. Chiesa is finally finding his stride. With an unbelievable goal in the 87th minute, he leveled the match 1-1. Just when it seemed that Liverpool would salvage a point, Crystal Palace’s Eddie Nketiah struck in the dying moments, netting the winner in the 90+7 minute. This dramatic goal not only won the match for Crystal Palace but devastated Liverpool by earning them zero points.
The end score was testament to Crystal Palace’s grit, heart and precise finishing in key minutes. With this well-deserved win, Crystal Palace earned three precious points. After five straight victories, they now find themselves sitting just three points behind the top of the league.
A particularly intense scene erupted in the match after officials called for a VAR check. Comparing grass blades to slaughter googling, lurking, stalking, searching, hunting. The opponent’s goal remained, giving Liverpool a way back into the match just as they seemed to be fading.
“Very difficult first half for us. They did really well and we were lucky it was only 1-0. The second half was the opposite.”
Liverpool’s head coach expressed satisfaction with Chiesa’s performance, stating, “Delighted that Liverpool kept faith with Federico Chiesa who has looked good and a bit more like his old self (when he played for Fiorentina),” highlighting the importance of player confidence in high-stakes matches.
As the action played out before a raucous crowd, Crystal Palace’s tactical discipline and willingness to weather a storm late in the game ultimately made the difference. The team proved time and again that they were capable of holding the line under pressure and hunting down together when the opportunity was hottest.