Crystal Palace delivered a dramatic blow to Premier League leaders Liverpool with a last-gasp winner at Selhurst Park, ending the Reds’ unbeaten start.
Eddie Nketiah struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win and extend Palace’s impressive unbeaten streak to 18 games in all competitions.
Ismaila Sarr had given Palace an early lead, but substitute Federico Chiesa equalised late on for Liverpool. Just as it seemed the champions would escape with a point, Nketiah pounced at the far post to spark wild celebrations and lift Palace into second place.
Palace punish Liverpool’s shaky defence
Palace dominated the first half, exposing Liverpool’s defensive frailties repeatedly. Sarr’s opener came after the Reds failed to clear a corner, and only Alisson’s brilliance kept the scoreline respectable.
The Brazilian goalkeeper denied Yeremy Pino, Daniel Munoz, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, while the woodwork also came to Liverpool’s rescue.
Despite losing star forward Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in the summer, Palace showed remarkable quality. Glasner’s men combined high energy with tactical discipline that left Liverpool rattled. The hosts’ growing confidence, built on last season’s FA Cup triumph, was evident as they pressed relentlessly.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, looked uncharacteristically flat. Even record signing Alexander Isak, making his full league debut, missed a glorious one-on-one chance, while Florian Wirtz wasted another from close range.
Late drama leaves Liverpool reeling
Liverpool’s second-half improvement finally paid off when Chiesa converted from close range after sustained pressure. For a moment, it seemed their habit of late escapes would continue. However, defensive frailty proved costly again as Palace capitalised on a long throw, with Nketiah delivering the decisive blow in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Palace fans mocked Isak with chants of “what a waste of money” after his struggles.
The Eagles showcased their strength across the pitch with goalkeeper Dean Henderson impressive in goal. Captain Marc Guehi marshalled the defence, Adam Wharton controlled midfield, and Mateta remained a constant threat up front.
It was a sobering defeat for Arne Slot’s side. His team had been riding their luck with late winners, but this time they were undone by Palace’s determination and organisation. The Reds remain strong title contenders, yet this setback exposed the cracks in their early-season form.
Tags: Crystal Palace, Eddie Nketiah, Liverpool, #CRYLIV, #YNWA, #EPL, #PremierLeague, Marc Guehi, Federico Chiesa, Jean Philippe-Mateta, Ismaila Sarr, Adam Wharton, Arne Slot, Yeremy Pino, Daniel Munoz, #LFC, Selhurst Park.
