Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in the seventh round of the Premier League at Selhurst Park to consolidate their position at the top of the league. The Portuguese Diogo Jota scored the winning goal in the ninth minute. The Reds thus won the sixth match across competitions in a row. In addition, the Czech goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš, who replaced the injured Alisson, enjoyed a winning debut.
The Eagles were winless this season before kick-off and for much of the first half it was clear which team was in better form. In the first minute, Eddie Nketiah sent the ball into the net, but the goal could not be recognized for clear offside. Unfortunately for the home side, it was their last chance until the closing moments of the first half.
Liverpool players, on the other hand, beat Dean Henderson shortly afterwards and this time the goal was worth it. Jota got in front of Trevoh Chalobah and cleared Cody Gakpo’s cross into the net. The visitors dominated possession from then on, Crystal Palace did not make it difficult for them due to a number of mistakes. However, despite the significant territorial superiority, Liverpool did not create too many opportunities, the closest to scoring a goal was Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Alisson’s crucial save against Ismaïl Sarr late in the half was a stark reminder that Liverpool are yet to win.
Even after the break, Arne Sloto’s side were in control and could have doubled their lead when Henderson headed home Mohamed Salah’s shot from close range. Jota headed wide shortly after, but as the game approached midway through the second half, Palace gained confidence and began to threaten. First Nketiah forced Alisson into a save and then Eberechi Eze headed into the Brazilian’s gloves from the edge of the penalty area. At the other end, Dominik Szoboszlai sent a fierce effort from distance but it was straight at Henderson.
In the end Will Hughes volleyed and came close to hitting the top corner. Vítězslav Jaroš was already in goal after Alisson had to withdraw due to injury. One of the first interventions of the Czech representative was to thwart Eze’s chance. In the end, however, they did not manage to equalize with the home team, and so the team from Merseyside moved into the lead at the top of the table by four points.
