Liverpool ratings: Salah gets 5/10 as Palace loss hits title hopes

Liverpool fell behind in the Premier League title race on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace at Anfield.

The Reds’ recent struggles continued as they went 1-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes after Crystal Palace produced some intricate build-up play to allow Eberechi Eze to score. The Eagles almost doubled their lead moments later when a slip from Virgil van Dijk allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta through, only for his finish over Alisson to be cleared off the line by Andy Robertson.

Luis Díaz had Liverpool’s best chance of the first half to equalise after connecting to a cross from Robertson, but a save by Dean Henderson ensured Crystal Palace maintained their lead. Darwin Núñez had a big chance early in the second half but somehow didn’t convert when smashing straight at Henderson. A double substitute in the 66th minute saw Klopp withdraw both Núñez and Díaz when introducing Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo.

Jota almost had Liverpool level but saw his effort blocked by Nathaniel Clyne’s block, before Alisson was required to deny Mateta. Curtis Jones then hit wide from Gakpo’s pass. Mohamed Salah’s blocked effort in injury time summed up the day.

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Positives

The returns from injury of Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among the few positives on the day. Liverpool also made enough chances to win the game.

Negatives

Liverpool went a goal down for the 23rd time across all competitions this season, and at the other end didn’t finish their chances. A noticeable dent in their title hopes, with Manchester City and Arsenal both now ahead of them in the table.

Manager rating (out of 10)

Jürgen Klopp, 7 — The changes Klopp made led to plenty of chances being created, but it was one of his side’s most wasteful displays of the season.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best)

GK Alisson, 7 — A welcome return for Alisson, who could do little about the opening goal, with Eze in too much space from close range. The Brazilian produced an exceptional save to prevent Mateta in the 74th minute.

DF Andy Robertson, 8 — Liverpool would have found themselves 2-0 down if it wasn’t for Robertson, who produced a heroic goal-line clearance. He was one of the Reds’ brightest stars of the afternoon in terms of going forward, too, and was unlucky not to pick up an assist for his cross to Díaz.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 — Not close enough to Eze for the opening goal, a slip later then saw Crystal Palace get another big chance. Dominant on set pieces, almost assisting Jota when flicking the ball on in the 70th minute.

DF Ibrahima Konaté, 6 — Konaté impressed when moving the ball into midfield to help begin attacks for Liverpool, though he did concede a dangerous counter-attack when failing to dribble past the press.

DF Conor Bradley, 6 — Battled well on the right flank where he was at times isolated against Mateta, but had to be helped off the pitch minutes into the second half after picking up an injury when he was replaced by Alexander-Arnold.

MF Wataru Endō, 5 — Caught out on a couple of occasions in the first half which led to two counter-attacks. Not convincing on the ball and replaced at half-time.

MF Curtis Jones, 5 — Worked hard to maintain pressure in the final third, but wasn’t as tidy as he usually is in possession. Didn’t move back central after pressing Will Hughes before Crystal Palace’s goal, and then missed one of Liverpool’s best chances of the game when sent clean through.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 5 — The Argentina international tried to get things going in the right direction, but he was inaccurate with his passing on too many occasions.

FW Luis Díaz, 6 — Liverpool almost equalised through Díaz ,who did well to connect to Robertson’s cross, drawing a strong save from goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Looked to make things happen when dribbling at defenders but to no avail.

FW Darwin Núñez, 5 — Núñez should have scored early in the second half but struck straight at the goalkeeper from close range. He was soon replaced by Jota after that.

FW Mohamed Salah, 5 — Salah didn’t do much in the first half outside of an effort at goal that was comfortable enough for Henderson. Linked well with his teammates in the second half at times, but ultimately didn’t do enough to break the deadlock.

Substitutes

Dominik Szoboszlai (Endo, 46′), 6 — Brought on at the break and provided more pace in midfield, but rarely got an opportunity to use it. Played some passes that asked questions of the defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Bradley, 48′), 6 — Back into the side after time out through injury, and called upon early into the second half after Bradley was forced off. Always looked to play forward, in a more central role than Bradley had occupied.

Diogo Jota (Núñez, 66′), 6 — Jota couldn’t guide the ball past former Liverpool player Nathaniel Clyne, who produced an excellent block to keep Palace in front. Positive movement helped create chances for his side, but none were converted.

Cody Gakpo (Díaz, 66′), 7 — Involved immediately when flashing a ball across the box, but Jones couldn’t connect with it. An impressive pass with the outside of his boot played Jones in for a second time, only for the midfielder to hit wide.

Harvey Elliott (Jones, 82′) N/R — Took up intelligent positions and almost helped get a goal back when heading back across the goal from Gakpo’s cross.