Liverpool got things off to a good start. Despite his defensive deficiencies, Alberto Moreno put a great move on the defender from the left of the box. He then sent it to the middle where Emre Can put the finish on it. Can was a bit fortunate to get a deflection off the defender, but that's why you put it on net sometimes.
The Liverpool goal came in the 15th minute. They were not in charge for very long. A little over two minutes later Crystal Palace took advantage of a dreadful mistake by the Liverpool back line.
Joel Matip oddly decided to nod the ball down to Dejan Lovren instead of clearing it away. Lovren then puzzlingly tried to kick it back to Loris Karius. None of the touches were good and Lovren's popped up in the air to be finished off with a header over Karius by McArthur.
Jurgen Klopp could do nothing but give a wry smile, though you can bet he was not smiling inside. These things happen in the game, but they seem to happen to Liverpool far too often.
Lovren did not stay in the doghouse for long. Corner kicks are usually the downfall for Liverpool, but this time they paid dividends. Coutinho served it up and Loven bullied his way past the defender and powered the header into the back of the net.
All of this happend and the game was barely 20 minutes old. Fantastic to watch for neturals and fans of offense, but not so much for managers. Klopp was happy with the goal, but you could tell by his body language that he still was not completely pleased with the way the game was flowing.
Sadly, his feelings would prove to be true. Despite creating plenty of pressure and a few chances (that didn't end up on goal mind you), Liverpool could not hold onto the lead for a second time.
Liverpool's main problem when in possession after their second goal was trying to be too cute. They passed up several opportunities to shoot, trying to set up the pretty pass. As a hockey fan, it was too reminiscent of watching the St. Louis Blues. Still the lead remained, or so we thought.
In the 33rd minute, it disappeared. Liverpool had a poor clearance that only got to midfield. It was blasted back up toward the area. Although he had been brilliant offensively, Moreno failed to get a block on the cross and McArthur gained his second goal of the game to knot it up.
The offense kept flowing even after that. Coutinho thought he had broken the deadlock in the 37th minute with a header. It went off the goalkeeper and off the post. 30 seconds later, Mane should have scored but leaned back and ripped it over the goal.
The Reds would retake the lead though in the 44th minute. Again, off a corner kick, if you can believe it. This time, the kick came from the right corner and it was another central defender on the end of it. Matip skied over the defenders and banged it in. The goalkeeper got a touch and it went off the crossbar, but there was enough power to still go in.
The second half began no less adventurously. It was the Eagles pressuring early however. Benteke, the former Liverpool man, almost blasted home the equalizer in the 48th minute. A quick turn and volley forced a reaction save from Karius.
Liverpool finally got back onto the offensive side of things in the 54th minute. A nicely weighted pass from Coutinho found Mane. Mane took the shot just inside of the area, but a right foot from the keeper thwarted the attempt.
As the game went on, the Reds became a little bit fortunate defensively. The official was right not to give a penalty on a string of bodies falling down and then minutes later, Can was likely fortunate not to concede a penalty. Whatever side you fall on those decisions, Liverpool were fortunate simply because they were in situations that the official had a decision to make and often they reward the offense.
Almost immediately after the Can no-call, Liverpool took advantage and went up by two goals. Firmino finished off the goal lifting it over the sliding keeper and giving his team a commanding 4-2 lead.
The game settled in after that tally. Liverpool wasted a bit of an opportunity with too many passes again and then Coutinho shot right at the keeper, but for the most part the teams knew their fate and just saw the contest out.
The scoreline did not do Liverpool's goal difference any favors as they continue to bleed a little at the back. Still, the win kept them tied atop the table on points and the longer you can stay in or near that position, the better shape you will be in at the end of the season.
It was a bit sloppy from a defensive standpoint and the offense could have been a little bit less cheeky, but it's a victory and that is what matters.
Random Thoughts:
- Crystal Palace seems to pick up former Liverpool players the way the Reds take former Southampton guys. They may not have had storied careers in red, but it was good to see Benteke and Martin Kelly play relatively well.
- I hate to keep harping on this, because I have nothing against the player. According to the television commentators, the reason Karius is favored is because he is better with the ball at his feet. I have not noticed that myself, but at least it is a reason.
- Speaking of Karius, it was good to see him make some saves. It seemed as though every goal he had been giving up prior to this contest was on the only shots he would face. Keepers need to make saves to keep their confidence up and feel like contributors.
- I know it's simply because we can see highlights of every game so we see all the mistakes. Still, it seems like the mistakes that led to Palace's first goal happen way too often in professional football these days.
- I'm curious where Georginio Wijnaldum will fit back into the lineup. It does not seem as though he would have been removed if he did not pick up a knock, but with the team playing well without him starting, there doesn't seem to be a glaring hole for him to fill.
Walk On
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