Liverpool consolidated their position in the Champions League qualification spots with a win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.
The Reds moved up to fourth with the 3-1 victory, with first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Andy Robertson doing the damage, before a controversial Daniel Munoz goal made things nervy.
Florian Wirtz popped up to finish things off late on, though, to hand Liverpool a hugely important three points.
It was not a perfect performance from Liverpool by any means, but having finally beaten Palace at the fourth attempt this season, here’s how we rated the players on what was ultimately a very good day for Arne Slot.
Who was the best performer in a nervy win against Crystal Palace? 👀
Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Defence
Freddie Woodman: 8 (Man of the Match) – Looked comfortable in possession and made three massive saves at the end of the first-half. One brilliant reaction save from a Jean-Philippe Mateta led to a breakaway from Liverpool, which Andy Robertson duly scored from. A huge moment which Woodman followed up with another key save to stop Maxence Lacroix from scoring in injury time. Made another great save from Ismaila Sarr before Palace pulled one back, but was let down by his defence who just stopped playing.
Curtis Jones: 7 – Still guilty of overplaying from right-back and conspired to allow Mateta in twice in quick succession with the Reds 1-0 up. That aside, Jones was generally very good again, showing his quality by laying on Andy Robertson with an inch-perfect assist for the second goal and providing a creative spark from deep.
Ibrahima Konate: 5 – Steady from Konate who handled the threat of Mateta comfortably.
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Virgil van Dijk: 6 – A good outing for the captain, with one excellent piece of defending to stop the obligatory Ismaila Sarr goal from a threatening breakaway.
Freddie Woodman during Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
READ MORE: Liverpool fans in complete agreement about Adam Wharton after watching him vs Crystal Palace
Andy Robertson: 6 – Took his goal absolutely brilliantly on what was a surprise second Premier League start in succession. Otherwise coped well with the ever dangerous Ismaila Sarr.
Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai: 4 – A quiet day for Szoboszlai who occasionally looked second best to Liverpool target Adam Wharton. There were some bright moments, but the Hungarian looks like he’s starting to fade after a very good season.
Alexis Mac Allister: 6 – Got Liverpool on the front foot early on with a couple of good, around the corner balls through for Salah and inadvertently created Alexander Isak’s opener. A better display all-around after a full week’s rest and he ended the game with two assists.
Florian Wirtz: 6 – Created Liverpool’s best moment of the opening half hour by neatly setting Salah away for the overturned penalty. Continued to be at the heart of the Reds creative play, buzzing about and finding teammates with clever touches and finally got his goal with a well-taken finish to wrap things up.
Attack
Mohamed Salah: 4 – Looked a little sharper again but is still very untidy on the ball. Should have had a better touch on the overturned penalty, but was heavy and it quickly ran away from him. Took a good chance off the toes of Szoboszlai shortly after, blasting over. Sadly taken off injured with what looked like a hamstring injury, and as he took in the applause from Anfield, there is a chance we do not see the 33-year-old on the pitch in a Liverpool shirt again.
Surely Liverpool are heading for the Champions League now?
Another big three points!
Andy Robertson celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit; Getty images/Alex Livesey).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alex Livesey
Alexander Isak: 5 – Not involved at all until he popped up with a sensational touch and finish from Mac Allister’s wayward strike. A brilliant finish which visibly lifted the Swede. Managed to get himself a bit more into it than of late, and will hopefully take confidence from the goal.
Cody Gakpo: 4 – Worked hard as ever but slowed down a couple of promising breakaways and still looks hesitant to play in Isak, despite one very good take, turn and through ball which almost set the Swede away.
Substitutes
Jeremie Frimpong: 3 – Ran around as usual and offered an injection of pace but far too little quality. Found himself in two or three really good positions but wasted it every time.
Ryan Gravenberch: 4 – Came on to calm things down and did exactly that.
Joe Gomez: 4 – Stood up well to Sarr late on.
Milos Kerkez: 3 – One heart-stopping moment when he almost failed to clear in his own penalty area suggested that Robertson should start again vs Manchester United.
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