David Lynch’s 5 Key Takeaways from Liverpool’s Win over Crystal Palace

Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, moving into fourth place after successive defeats.

Speaking in his post-match reaction on YouTube, journalist David Lynch acknowledged that the performance was far from convincing, but praised Liverpool’s growing ability to secure results in difficult away fixtures under Andoni Iraola.

Here are Lynch’s five key takeaways from Liverpool’s victory over Crystal Palace.

Liverpool’s away form deserves huge credit

Lynch’s first takeaway concerned Liverpool’s remarkable improvement away from Anfield.

Despite the comfortable-looking scoreline, he admitted the victory was “far less comfortable than maybe the score line makes it seem”.

However, Liverpool have now won four consecutive Premier League away matches, collecting 13 points from their opening five fixtures on the road.

Lynch described that record as “a total transformation in terms of their ability to grind it out, to battle, to come through these tough tests away from home”.

After losing nine away league matches last season, Liverpool’s improvement under Iraola has been significant.

“You could not ask for more from the manager thus far in terms of what he’s put into this team,” Lynch said.

Midfield problems remain for Iraola

Lynch’s second takeaway focused on Liverpool’s continued difficulties controlling midfield.

Crystal Palace recorded 19 shots compared with Liverpool’s 20, while the expected goals figures finished at 2.38 and 2.65 respectively.

Lynch felt Liverpool allowed Palace too much freedom through central areas.

“I saw too many occasions where Liverpool’s midfield was just getting walked through at times today,” he explained.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s performance attracted particular scrutiny, despite his assist and five chances created.

Lynch highlighted the midfielder’s struggles with pressing and progressive passing, noting that he managed only three line-breaking passes in 69 minutes.

By comparison, Trey Nyoni recorded four after entering the game in the 69th minute.

“He just looks more natural in there,” Lynch said of Nyoni.

For Lynch, finding the right midfield balance remains a significant challenge for Iraola.

Liverpool’s expensive attackers deliver

Lynch’s third takeaway concerned the contributions of Liverpool’s major attacking signings.

Bradley Barcola provided an assist, Alexander Isak scored and Florian Wirtz registered both a goal and an assist.

Discussing the expectations surrounding Liverpool’s expensive recruits, Lynch said: “Well, they did it today. They absolutely did it.”

He was particularly encouraged by Wirtz’s improvement, with the German now recording five goal contributions across his previous eight appearances.

“I think he’s adding that and I think he’s getting there. I think he’s getting better,” Lynch explained.

Isak’s goalscoring consistency also impressed, with Lynch describing his record this season as “absolutely fantastic”.

Set-piece improvement offers encouragement

Liverpool’s fourth takeaway concerned their growing effectiveness from set pieces.

Lynch highlighted Liverpool’s excellent defensive record, with the Reds yet to concede a set-piece goal in the Premier League this season.

However, their attacking output from dead-ball situations had required improvement.

That changed against Crystal Palace, with Liverpool scoring from a set piece to establish an important advantage.

“Making goals from set pieces, especially to go one nil up, especially in an away game where you’re finding it a bit tough, it’s a bit sticky in the game,” Lynch explained, was “really, really important”.

He hopes the breakthrough will lead to further goals from similar situations.

Iraola builds a platform for Liverpool’s season

Lynch’s fifth takeaway centred on the wider significance of Liverpool’s victory.

With Chelsea losing at Sunderland and Manchester City suffering defeat against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool took advantage of an important Premier League weekend.

Lynch believes the increasing competitiveness of the division makes winning away matches particularly valuable.

“I think away games in the Premier League and not just Palace but just generally all over the place are just so tough,” he explained.

Liverpool’s ability to secure points despite imperfect performances has therefore become a major strength.

For Lynch, the progress under Iraola provides a foundation for further improvement.

“I really want to praise the manager and the players for the role in that,” he said.

Liverpool may still have areas to address, particularly in midfield, but another three points and a fourth consecutive away league victory demonstrate the progress being made under Iraola.