Alexis Mac Allister found the net to give Liverpool against Crystal Palace, but Jamie Carragher was quick to point out the important contribution of an often-overlooked teammate
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their team's first goal
Jamie Carragher praised Jeremy Jacquet's role in Alexis Mac Allisters goal(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher singled out Jeremy Jacquet for his role in Alexis Mac Allister's goal against Crystal Palace.
The Reds took the lead through Mac Allister, who rose at the near post to meet Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick and guide a powerful header into the far bottom corner. The Argentine escaped his marker before directing the ball beyond goalkeeper Dean Henderson, capping an excellent set-piece routine after Liverpool had struggled to make an impact from dead-ball situations earlier in the game.
Carragher highlighted Liverpool's set-piece planning as a key factor in Mac Allister's goal, praising Jacquet's role in creating space for the Argentine.
"There’s obviously been a plan. Szoboszlai set-piece, you think about this front area, Jacquet’s just there to cause problems, and Liverpool almost score" Carragher said on commentary for Sky Sports.
"Mac Allister’s got a brilliant ability of getting his head on things, we’ve seen it for club and country at different times over the years. Then we look at the goal. Szoboszlai again, Jacquet’s at the front space, and he’s not there to head the ball, he’s there to stop the defenders getting it.
"It allows Mac Allister to come across the front. Crystal Palace were warned, didn’t take it on, and then Mac Allister, as we’ve seen so often, getting his head on a set-piece."
Carragher also praised Mac Allister's heading ability. "Mac Allister has a brilliant ability for getting his head on things," he added.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates
Jamie Carragher highlighted Liverpool's set-piece planning as a key factor in Alexis Mac Allister's goal(Image: Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz doubled Liverpool's lead 14 minutes into the second half, calmly finishing after being played through by Bradley Barcola.
Alexander Isak had been relatively quiet but made his mark late on, first missing a clear opportunity before scoring Liverpool's third to take his league tally to seven goals this season.
Crystal Palace grabbed a consolation with the final kick of the game as Eddie Nketiah converted from the penalty spot after Milos Kerkez was penalized.
Despite the convincing result, the performance was far from straightforward, with Liverpool's goalkeeper arguably standing out as the visitors' best player. "Great result but a strange performance. "I think that would have been one of the best Crystal Palace performances this season. Liverpool won 3-1 away from home but their goalkeeper was their best player. That tells you how well Palace did," said Carragher.
"But I don't think you can hang your hat on the performance, especially with a new guy into the Premier League. He's really struggled so far.
"I don't think you can take the risk as an owner when you think of the finances involved. Palace - 14 seasons in the Premier League, we don't expect them to be [bottom]. They're an established Premier League club. I think the decision will be made, unfortunately for Pierre Sage. I think Palace will have a new manager the next time they play in the Premier League"