Diogo Jota’s ninth-minute strike sent Liverpool four points clear at the top of the Premier League as the Reds held off a spirited second-half fightback from Crystal Palace to extend their perfect away record this season.
On his 100th start for the club, Jota’s expert run allowed the forward to evade his markers and fire in Cody Gakpo’s cross for a fourth goal of the season that condemned Palace to 18th in the table.
Liverpool were supremely dominant for more than an hour but survived a sustained spell of pressure as Palace looked transformed by the introductions of forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and midfielder Will Hughes.
Visiting goalkeeper Alisson and replacement Vitezslav Jaros, who came on after the Brazil international suffered a leg injury 15 minutes from time, were forced to make a string of saves as Palace’s wait for a first league win extended to seven matches.
Liverpool take the lead against Crystal Palace through Diogo Jota 💥
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2024
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Palace vs Liverpool result
At a ground where they have not lost since 2014, the only question during the first half and much of the second appeared to be when Liverpool would score a second, such was the ease with which they bossed possession and cut through a confused-looking opposition defence.
Palace found the net during the opening minute through Eddie Nketiah, but the offside flag against the striker signalled one of only two meaningful attacks the struggling Eagles would make before the break, Ismaila Sarr testing Alisson from the other.
Home manager Oliver Glasner was visibly perplexed by his players’ apparent lack of energy and inspiration, having precious little of the ball and adding another injury to the Austrian’s list when Daniel Munoz had to be replaced by Nathaniel Clyne after 17 minutes.
Liverpool had arguably enjoyed enough openings to be at least three goals ahead by the time Alisson parried Eddie Nketiah’s rising shot over the target in the 63rd minute, repeating the trick six minutes later to claw Eberechi Eze’s effort behind.
Should this Virgil Van Dijk pull on Marc Guehi have resulted in a penalty for Crystal Palace? 🤔
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2024
Palace penalty appeal
Palace captain Marc Guehi and Glasner were aghast not to have been awarded a penalty when the England defender felt he had been pulled down by Virgil van Dijk at a corner, and Eze should have done better when the playmaker had a clear sight of goal inside the penalty area, only to shoot straight into Jaros’ arms.
The visitors regained control during the late stages and were worthy winners, moving further ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table, although their nearest rivals have games in hand when the reigning champions host Fulham and the Gunners welcome Southampton later on Saturday (both 3pm BST).
“We scored a fantastic goal – it was a great finish from Jota,” Van Dijk told TNT Sports. “We could have done better in the second half. We knew they would come out and pressure us.
“We needed Ali twice – three times, maybe. We try to avoid that but if we have to defend, that’s what we do with everything we’ve got.”
