This year started badly for Liverpool. Two consecutive away defeats against second-placed Manchester City and Wolverhampton, in the Premier League and FA Cup respectively, definitely shook Jurgen Klopps men confidence for a bit. However, the current league leaders reacted very well by securing a 1-0 win away at Brighton in the previous gameweek, thus proving they are still worthy of their position.
Crystal Palace came into this match with little hope after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Watford. Roy Hodgsons men werent on good form either, having previously only won by a one goal margin over League Two side Grimsby County in the FA Cup. Despite their mediocre performances however, Palace were able to defeat title-challenger Manchester City at the Etihad just before Christmas, proving that they are still a dangerous side to face for any team.
The match turned out to be brilliant. A thrilling encounter produced everything: seven goals, a blunder, a red card, late drama, you name it. Hodgsons ultra-defensive approach effectively reduced Liverpools attacking threats for most of the game, while their rapid attackers disrupted the home side defensive department with deadly counter-attacks. At the end of the day, Klopp side came out victorious. Credit must go to their patience, individual brilliance, and some luck. This piece will give you a detailed analysis of how the game unfolded.
Starting XI
Liverpool used 4–2–3–1 for this game with some changes to the lineup. Former Schalke defender Joel Matip returned to the starting XI ahead of Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez to partner Virgil van Dijk. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho provided balance as holding midfielders in front of them. One little surprise was Sadio Mane placement as a right winger, while Naby Keita took the Senegalese favourite spot on the left wing.
Veteran goalkeeper Julian Speroni made his first start since December 2017 for the away side as a result of Wayne Hennesseys injury. A midfield trio of James McArthur, Luka Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate supplied solid defensive cover for the back four. Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend provided the width on the flanks while Jordan Ayew acted as a lone striker up front.
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