Premier League GW16 - Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Crystal Palace hosted Liverpool in an exciting Premier League match at Selhurst Park, setting up a tense contest between the underachieving hosts and the formidable Reds. The pitch was wet with rain, creating an intense atmosphere that was exceeded by the game.

Crystal Palace:

14th position Palace has only won once in their last eight league games, which is a fairly bad run of play right now. After that 2-0 victory against Burnley, they have only managed to collect one point out of the twelve available. Their most recent matchup saw them lose 2-0 at home to Bournemouth.

Liverpool:

On the other hand, Liverpool has just lost once this season and is unbeaten in their previous eight games. After defeating Sheffield United and Fulham in their last two games, Jurgen Klopp's Reds enter this one with a chance to pass Arsenal at the top of the standings.

Starting XI:

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3):

Sam Johnstone; Nathaniel Clyne, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Joel Ward; Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards, Will Hughes; Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Edouard, Jeffrey Schlupp.

CRYSTAL PALACE SUBS: Remi Matthews, James Tomkins, Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Malcolm Ebiowei, Naouirou Ahamada, Jairo Riedewald, David Ozoh.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3):

Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, James McConnell, Conor Bradley.

Selhurst Park Stadium | Picture Credits: Getty Images

First Half: Alisson's Heroics and VAR Drama

Liverpool, who had not lost in their previous eight games, struggled in the first half to establish a rhythm against a determined Crystal Palace defence. In the 28th minute, the hosts, who were in 14th place, had a huge chance. Jordan Ayew's quick counterattack produced a low cross that Jefferson Lerma met, seemingly heading for the bottom corner with his effort. But Alisson's incredible double stop kept Palace from scoring the first goal.

When Palace appeared to have been awarded a penalty in the 29th minute, VAR was activated. Will Hughes knocked down Wataru Endo, which set up a thrilling spot-kick. Nevertheless, following a more thorough examination, the referee overturned the ruling, preventing Liverpool from having to give up a penalty.

As the first half came to an end, Liverpool was unable to penetrate Palace's defence, and a strong Palace defence rejected Trent Alexander-Arnold's cut-back attempt for Mohamed Salah.

The score was locked at 0-0 as the halftime whistle blew. Liverpool had ball dominance, but Palace's defence stood out. Due to Alisson's previous heroics, both teams had a huge window of opportunity to win the second half.

Second Half: Palace's Penalty and Liverpool's Comeback

Liverpool began the second half determined to establish their control. In the 57th minute, though, Crystal Palace took the lead. Once again, video assistant referee Jarell Quansah's challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta resulted in a penalty kick for Palace. The latter scored with assurance, giving Palace the lead.

Liverpool answered quickly. Jordan Ayew's second yellow card cut Palace's lead to 10 men in the 76th minute. Within seconds, Liverpool equalised by seizing the opportunity. Salah's 200th goal for Liverpool came via a deflected drive that was set up by substitute Curtis Jones.

The 90th minute brought about the late winner that the Reds had been pushing for. With maturity above his years, Harvey Elliott curled in a spectacular goal to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead. Even with late drama—a Liverpool goal disallowed and an important Alisson save—the Reds managed to pull off an incredible comeback triumph.

Liverpool Soar to the Summit

At Selhurst Park, Liverpool displayed resiliency and a will to steal win from the jaws of defeat in an emotional rollercoaster. This match was a memorable spectacle because of the late drama, which included goals, cards, and VAR interventions. Liverpool's thrilling victory put them atop the Premier League standings, leaving Crystal Palace to lament the possibilities. Once again, Selhurst Park witnessed the magic of Premier League football, giving spectators an exciting match that will be spoken about for years to come.

No Goal in the first half as both teams struggled to score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Mateta scored in the penalty and gave Palace the lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Salah's goal levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Elliott's late goal secured Liverpool's win | Picture Credits: Premier League Website