Liverpool delivered a magnificent statement performance at Selhurst Park, as they beat Crystal Palace 7-0, to go six points clear, at least temporarily, at the top of the Premier League.
Takumi Minamino opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with his first league goal for the club, on the one-year anniversary of the day the Reds signed him. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino added two more before the break, as the Reds delivered a lesson in being clinical, against a Palace side who did create enough opportunities in the first half.
After half-time, the introduction of Mohamed Salah proceeded to compound Palace’s misery. Jordan Henderson scored a superb goal, and then Salah set up Firmino for a second, before completing the rout with two goals of his own.
Here’s how each Liverpool player fared in this game.
Alisson Becker – 6/10
He had a couple of saves to make in the first half, both of which were easy catches for him. He swept up well once, when Zaha was played in behind Joel Matip.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
Overall, he was still not exactly at his best, but played crucial roles for three goals. He played a superb ball into Mane, whos et up Minamino for the opener. Then he slid the ball over for Henderson to smash home, before taking a corner that Joel Matip headed for Salah to finish.
Joel Matip – 6/10
He finished the game with an assist, but the first half was slightly shaky form him, as he sometimes struggled to deal with the pace of Zaha running in behind him.
Fabinho – 7/10
He made some critical interventions in the first half, but could’ve easily been at fault for conceding a goal, when Ayew easily outmuscled him, before proceeding to fluff his lines.
Andrew Robertson – 8/10
Relentless. Just absolutely non-stop. His pass for Firmino to score was one executed with surgical precision.
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
A little shaky to start the game off. Then a bit annoying as he kept overhitting attempted long passes towards Mane. But in general, he controlled the tempo of the game really well, and scored a superb goal.
Gini Wijnaldum – 6/10
On a day of spectacular performances around him, Wijnaldum delivered what he usually does. A performance filled with control and energy in midfield.
Naby Keita – 6/10
Good for him to come back into this Liverpool side and play a full 90 minutes. He should’ve had an assist after a superb through-ball for Minamino. Also played a pivotal role in Henderson’s goal, with a super pass out wide to Trent.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
He finished the game fuming because Klopp took him off. On the positive side, he set up Minamino’s opener, and then scored a superb goal himself.
Roberto Firmino – 9/10
Magnificent performance. That confidence from the goal against Spurs on Wednesday was evident. He played a superb pass for Mane’s goal, then took a superb first touch off Robertson’s cross to slot past Guaita, and then chipped Guaita again brilliantly for his second goal.
Takumi Minamino – 7/10
Terrific for his confidence to get his first league goal for the club. It was a brilliantly taken goal as well. He could have had another goal as well, but missed a sitter after Keita set him up.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah – 9/10
Just about 30 minutes on the pitch, but he finished with two goals and an assist. The second goal was a thing of beauty, as he picked his spot in the top corner, and gave Guaita no chance.
Curtis Jones – 6/10
He came on for the last 20 minutes of the game to replace Wijnaldum, and give the Dutchman some much-needed minutes off.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
Welcome back, Ox! First appearance of the season, and he was gifted an assist by Salah’s magnificent finish
First off I’m exceptionally proud of All my players. GREAT GREAT WIN. I’m bemused though by the BS that fans and pundits alike spew. A game well done and dusted Mr. Klopp again shows pure favouritism by substituting Mane’ (AGAIN). Which could have been seen as protection of our top front runner…..but to replace him with Salah????? If you were resting Salah then why play him when not needed???? If you were protecting Mane’ is Salah not that important that you risk injury in a meaningless run out other than to pad his goal tally.
Liverpool better be mindful of the fact that many top clubs will pay top dollar for one of the world’s best forwards in Mane’. Here’s where the BS comes in the pundits and fans who will defend the switch dont care about the blatant hypocrisy of the manager by wanting 5 subs to protect his top players yet he puts them in harm’s way when he could simply not play the ones on the bench and substitute the ones trying to protect on the field???? I love the result ,scoreline and the team performance but stop talking out of both sides of your faces!!! YNWA