Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Freddie Woodman was an unlikely hero from the match (Image: Getty)
Liverpool took a gigantic step towards securing qualification for next season's Champions League with a gutsy 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. It puts them eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton, with a trip to Old Trafford up next for the reigning champions.
In the Anfield sunshine, it was the home side who got off to the best start, with Alexander Isak marking his return to the starting XI with a goal from inside the penalty area. It was a bit of a scruffy finish from the Swede, but he'll be glad to be back on the scoresheet after such a long time out. Liverpool continued to push shortly after, with Andy Robertson marking his farewell tour with a goal, shortly after third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman made a stunning save.
The visitors did cut the deficit in the second half, but it came in a bizarre fashion. Woodman made another impressive save, but was left in a heap afterwards, with Daniel Munoz steering home into an empty net. Palace had their chances to equalise, including an effort that hit the inside of the post, but the points were secured via Florian Wirtz in added time. Express Sport hands out player ratings from Liverpool's win over Palace...
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Freddie Woodman - 8
Would've had plenty of nerves heading into his Premier League debut, but a string of first-half saves had the Kop singing his name. He was unfortunate with the Palace goal, having picked up an injury just before Munoz stuck it into an empty net.
Curtis Jones - 8
One of the best players on the pitch. Was absolutely everywhere at right back and certainly made a case for him playing there in the future.
Ibrahima Konate - 6
Caught slacking for the Palace goal, having allowed the attacker to ghost in behind him.
Virgil van Dijk - 6
Like his centre-back partner, was sloppy on occasion and had been lucky Palace didn't score in the first half.
Andy Robertson - 7
A performance that rolled back the years at times. A lung-busting run ended with what could potentially go down as his final Liverpool goal.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6
Picked up an assist, but that was only because his mistimed shot fell into the path of Isak, who did the rest. Was no mistaking his clever work for the Wirtz goal, as the Argentine's knockdown found his team-mate in the box.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 6
Won't go down as one of the Hungarian's best performances this season. Looked short of ideas at times and wasn't at his usual free-flowing best.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Andy Robertson and Alexander Isak were the scorers for Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Mohamed Salah - 6
Wasn't too influential during his time on the pitch, but all of the talk will surround the Egyptian's suspected hamstring injury. The Merseysiders have two home matches left this season, meaning it looks as if the legendary Liverpool star has likely played his last match in front of the Anfield crowd.
Florian Wirtz - 7
It wasn't great at all. In fact, it wasn't particularly good. That was until the final moments of the game when he curled home a beauty to secure the three points.
Cody Gakpo - 6
Put himself about in attack, but without much quality. It's difficult to imagine Liverpool won't explore the attacking market when the summer transfer window rolls around.
Alexander Isak - 7
Didn't connect as well as he'd have liked for the goal, but the striker's movement was the best part of the move. Still looked sluggish at times, but that will come with a regular run of matches in the starting line-up. Could be crucial for Liverpool's Champions League hopes, given there are still some important matches left to play.
Substitutes:
Jeremie Frimpong - 6
Added some dynamism on the right-hand side after replacing Salah around the hourmark.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6
Broke up play in the middle of the park when things were getting scrappy.
Joe Gomez - 6
Sturdied things up at the back and acted quickly to get the ball back in play for the Wirtz strike.
Milos Kerkez - 5
Caught on his heels for a late chance and almost allowed the Palace attacker in for a winner.