Liverpool’s two most expensive players were influential in their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, with counter-attacking football finally back!
Having only recently been staring down the barrel of Europa League football, Liverpool have jumped to fourth in the Premier League thanks three wins in a row.
The Reds are finding some form just when they need it in the Champions League battle, and here are five positives that Liverpool can build on from their 3-1 win over Palace.
Alexander Isak breaks his Anfield league duck
Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring his sides opening goal during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday April 25, 2026.
Alexander Isak‘s first season at Anfield has been one to forget, with form and injuries a major issue.
Liverpool’s record signing was enduring another frustrating day early on against Palace, but that all changed when he fired home the opener.
While not the cleanest strike he’s ever hit, Isak showed great speed of thought, bringing down Alexis Mac Allister‘s scuffed effort and burying a finish.
Incredibly, it was the Swede’s first home Premier League goal for Liverpool – imagine being told in August that he would have to wait until late April for it!
Hopefully, this is a big step in the right direction for Isak, whose top form is needed in the remaining four games and beyond.
Liverpool paid £125 million for him for a reason, and if he hits his Newcastle level, the Reds could have a future Anfield great on their hands.
Florian Wirtz magic in front of the Kop
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz scores the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Florian Wirtz has been more of a slow burn than an explosive presence for Liverpool, but there has still been plenty to admire.
The German scored his best goal yet for Liverpool against Palace, sending a half-volley gliding into the corner of th net in front of the Kop, showcasing his world-class technical ability.
Wirtz’s subtle class almost works against him at times, with a deft, underrated pass to Curtis Jones playing a key role in Andy Robertson‘s goal.
Rival fans may be quick to criticise the 22-year-old and baulk at his price tag, but when you look closely, Wirtz has shone more than he hasn’t.
He has created the joint-second most chances in the Champions League this season, only behind Real Madrid‘s Arda Guler, and that’s in a struggling Liverpool team.
There is a reason why Jurgen Klopp called Wirtz a “once-in-a-century” footballer!
Return of the counter-attacking Reds!
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Andy Robertson scores the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool’s football has been pragmatic over entertaining this season, which has been one of the many reasons why Arne Slot has found himself under pressure.
Against Palace, though, the Reds scored arguably their best counter-attacking goal of the campaign, with Robertson finishing off a superb move.
Quick on the counter ???? pic.twitter.com/KmXY1WtQUF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 26, 2026
There hasn’t been enough pace to Liverpool’s play all year long, but this drew comparisons to the Klopp era, when opponents couldn’t deal with their speed and quality on break.
Here’s hoping this is a sign of the counter-attacking brilliance coming back ahead of next season, especially with more pace expected to be added out wide this summer.
Alexis Mac Allister looked a more effective figure
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 4, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister looks dejected after the FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. Manchester City won 4-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Mac Allister has been among Liverpool’s most disappointing performers this season, having shone so much in his first two years at Anfield.
Too often, the Argentine has looked tired and one-paced, but he enjoyed a more influential performance at home to Palace.
Not only did Mac Allister assist twice – the first was rather fortuitous in truth – but he also made an unrivalled 11 defensive contributions for Liverpool.
Having not started at Everton last weekend, with no midweek game either, the Reds’ No. 10 looked more vibrant than he often has this season.
More of the same at Man United next Sunday, Macca!
A much-needed ‘clean sheet’ (THAT goal doesn’t count!)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on his first Premier League start during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool’s defensive woes have been all too regular in 2025/26, but they are showing positive signs there late in the campaign.
With Freddie Woodman shining as the fourth-choice goalkeeper, after Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Vitezslav Jaros, the Reds bagged a ‘clean sheet’ – well, that’s if you aren’t counting Daniel Munoz’s controversial strike.
Granted, Palace produced almost double Liverpool’s expected goals (2.26 to 1.14), which shouldn’t be ignored, but Liverpool aren’t offering up chances as charitably as before.
It’s now only nine goals conceded in as many league matches – one per game, compared to the season average of 1.29 per match.
These are small wins, admittedly!