Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Liverpool – PL Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 6.0
The chance to redeem himself, after a tough Champions League week. He was solid enough, especially as his side seemed poised to gift the home side a big chance through the first half. Was largely a second half spectator, in a very uneventful game of football.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 5.0
Given licence to create from the outset, but some horrible indecision nearly gifted Palace an early goal. Had a goal bound free kick cleared by his skipper, before having more poor moments in defence. Was nearly caught just after the restart, as a lofted ball into the box left him struggling. Some okay moments on the ball, but way below his elite levels.
Subbed – 70 mins
Andy Robertson – 6.0
A tough overall period for the Scotsman, and despite some good running and interplay, his final ball and lack of positional sense was apparent once more. Did little more in the second half, in a performance that was solid if no more than routine.
Joel Matip – 6.0
Chosen due to injuries to all other senior defenders. He looked shaky from the outset, nearly culminating in an early goal for Palace. Looked shaky on and off the ball, as the home side targeted his side. He seemed reliant on his partner to steady the ship, as he struggled to deal with most things that came his way. Slightly better in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
A steady start with lots of possession allowed him to start well, with limited defensive work as Palace targeted Matip & Trent. Was the steadying influence, with so much indecisive play by his surrounding teammates.
James Milner – 5.0
A role that allowed Robbie to kick on and offer coverage was clear. He was okay off the ball, tidy on the ball in an uneventful first half. Did his job for the most part, whilst offering very little in the offensive third. Offered a little more solidity at right back, as he opted for a more defensive role to Trent.
Naby Keita – 5.0
Showed some endeavour in the first half, though was mostly ineffective on the ball through the opening stages. Drifted in and out of the game through the first half, despite a solid number of duals contested. Was the better of the three midfielders in the first half, which wasn’t saying much.
Subbed – 45 mins
Jordan Henderson – 5.0
Was fairly comfortable positionally, yet was a little unsure with his passing from the reds defensive third. Did well to deny Trent a goal bound free kick. Worked hard, but ultimately looked tired and struggled to really impact the game.
Mohamed Salah – 6.0
Snatched at a reasonable early chance, whilst having a couple of good opportunities that came to nothing. Started the second half brightly with a well-placed curling effort striking the underside of the bar.
Cody Gakpo – 5.0
A positive start for the young Dutchman, before disappearing for much of the opening half. Had a couple of tidy moments in the second but was largely peripheral. Should have scored late on.
Subbed – 84 mins
Diogo Jota – 5.0
A quiet opening period, after his first start in months, until he unleashed a stinging half volley straight at the Palace keeper. Struck the post shortly after, though it’s possible his headed effort was already out for a goal kick. Did little until he departed the pitch in the second half.
Subbed – 70 mins
Subs;
Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 45)
Looked bright with little substance.
Roberto Firmino – 4.0 (on 70)
Did very little.
Fabinho – 5.0 (on 70)
Came into the middle for Trent, with Milner dropping to fullback.
Stefan Bajčetić – N/A (on 84)
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 5.0
The choice to start both James Milner & Jordan Henderson in a game in 2023, was somewhat alarming. The team appeared to be dictated by availability and fitness, with Darwin & Gomez confirmed as injured.
The first half was cagey with too many silly decisions from his unsure line up. The midfield offered little on and off the ball, whereas the defence looked just a moment from giving away a goal at any second. The attack was disjointed, as possession was wasted time and time again.
Withdrew Naby at the break, after a weak first half showing from his entire midfield. The game drifted somewhat, with both sides looking off the pace. The reds would struggle in transition, with only Virgil having a solid outing through the defensive and midfield lines.
Seemed to settle for the point as his reds tired.
Pre-match Prediction;
Crystal Palace 1 – 2 Liverpool
