Liverpool Grind Out Victory at Crystal Palace But Alisson Injury Casts Shadow

Liverpool extended their winning streak in all competitions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While Diogo Jota’s early goal ensured the Reds remained on course in the Premier League, an injury to goalkeeper Alisson late in the game raised concerns for the league leaders.

Jota Strikes Early to Keep Liverpool’s Momentum

From the first whistle, it was clear Liverpool were determined to make their mark. Diogo Jota, who has now netted two Premier League goals this season, capitalised on a lapse in Palace’s defence. In the ninth minute, Cody Gakpo delivered a perfectly timed cross, which Jota converted clinically to give the Reds a crucial early lead. For much of the first half, Liverpool looked comfortable, controlling possession and dictating the pace.

However, Crystal Palace weren’t without their moments. Eddie Nketiah thought he had found the back of the net early on, only for his effort to be ruled offside. Palace’s best chance came just before the break when Ismaila Sarr forced a sharp save from Liverpool’s Alisson, who proved vital in keeping the visitors ahead.

Alisson’s Injury Worry

Despite controlling large spells of the game, Liverpool struggled to add to their tally, leaving Crystal Palace within striking distance. The home side sensed an opportunity as the game progressed, and Alisson was called upon twice in the second half to deny them an equaliser. First, he thwarted a close-range effort from Nketiah after Liverpool lost possession, and then he kept out Eberechi Eze, who looked lively throughout.

Disaster struck for Liverpool with just ten minutes remaining. Alisson, while attempting to clear the ball, appeared to pull his hamstring, forcing Arne Slot to turn to Vitezslav Jaros. The young Czech keeper was thrown into the spotlight, making his Premier League debut in a tense atmosphere.

Palace’s Struggles Continue

While Crystal Palace showed glimpses of attacking intent, they failed to take advantage of Alisson’s departure. Eze’s late effort, straight at Jaros, was the closest they came to levelling the match, but Palace’s lack of cutting edge in the final third remained their downfall. Roy Hodgson’s side now find themselves rooted in the bottom three, winless after seven games with just three points to their name.

Palace have shown flashes of quality this season, but with four defeats in their opening fixtures, they need to find consistency in both defence and attack if they are to climb out of the relegation zone. Their inability to capitalise on Liverpool’s late goalkeeper switch highlighted their ongoing struggles.

Liverpool’s Early Title Charge

Liverpool’s win at Selhurst Park keeps them top of the Premier League, four points clear before the afternoon fixtures kicked off. With just one defeat so far, Slot’s men are proving to be formidable challengers, showing resilience even when not at their best. However, Alisson’s injury raises questions about how the team will cope in the upcoming matches, particularly with the packed schedule in both the Premier League and Champions League.

In Jota, they have a forward finding form, but as always, maintaining momentum at this stage of the season is crucial. With Alisson potentially sidelined, Liverpool’s strength in depth could be tested.

For Palace, the focus shifts to turning promising performances into points. With pressure mounting, Hodgson will need to find a solution quickly to prevent the gap from growing between his side and safety.