After not losing a game at Anfield in 14 months, Liverpool have dropped two matches in a row on their hallowed ground. The latest example came thanks to a shocking 1-0 setback to Crystal Palace on April 14th.
First Half
The teams spent the first five minutes of the match until Darwin Núñez forced a save in the seventh minute. Liverpool stayed in the attacking third, but it was the Eagles who scored in the 14th minute. After a nice buildup, Eberechi Eze scored in front of goal to give Crystal Palace a 1-0 lead.
The visitors nearly scored again in the 18th minute, but Andy Robertson cleared the ball off of the line. Liverpool took over the game from that point as the Reds earned a series of corners. Wataru Endo hit the bar in the 27th minute and then Palace goalie Dean Henderson saved the follow-up by Núñez. Henderson made another save on a Luis Diaz shot, later in the half to leave the halftime score at 1-0.
Second Half
Liverpool's struggles finishing continued as Núñez sliced a shot over the bar and Henderson saved his shot in the 55th minute. Liverpool earned a corner in the 58th while Trent Alexander-Arnold put a shot over the bar near the hour mark.
Another corner came in the 69th minute, but a header went over the line for a goal kick. Diogo Jota had a shot blocked off the line in the 73rd minute and Curtis Jones missed a one-on-one chance moments later on a breakaway,
The chances kept coming for Liverpool. Harvey Elliott forced a save in the 86th minute and Jota's chance went wide. Mohamed Salah had a shot blocked off of the line in stoppage time, as Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Title Hopes Take A Hit
With a win, Liverpool had a chance to move back atop the table, but the loss keeps them in third and they face a goal difference vs Arsenal and Manchester City as well. There are still six EPL games left in the season, but even if the Reds win out, they might not catch the two teams in front of them.
Is Klopp Done?
The American commentary team observed the match that Jürgen Klopp was not his usual self on the sideline and that the boss lacked energy. Klopp admitted he is leaving Liverpool at season's end because he needs a break from coaching, Could his energy be already gone as the finish line approaches or can the club put together one final push? Time will tell.
Anfield Mistique Erroding
This loss at Anfield is the Reds' first home defeat in League play since October of 2022 vs Leeds United. It also marks the first time the club has lost consecutive home games since 2021. Crystal Palace last won at Anfield in 2017.
LFC Globe Verdict
How does the team recover? They face an almost certain Europa League exit and know Liverpool are a longshot to win the EPL title. A couple of things led to the loss. First the lack of quality in the final third and excellent work by Dean Henderson in the Crystal Palace goal and by their back line to also prevent multiple scores.
Man Of The Match
This is a difficult choice for all the wrong reasons. Nobody really stood out as Liverpool was held without a goal for just the second time this season. Diogo Jota has provided a spark off of the bench the last two games. Hopefully, he will be ready to go the full 90 again soon.
What's Next
Liverpool will face the difficult task of erasing a 3-0 aggregate deficit when they travel to Atalanta on Thursday, April 18th in Europa League action.
Goals
Liverpool
- None
Crystal Palace
- Eberechi Eze 14'
Substitutes
Liverpool
- Dominik Szoboszlai for Wataru Endo HT'
- Trent Alexander-Arnold for Conor Bradley 48'
- Diogo Jota for Luis Diaz 66'
- Cody Gakpo for Darwin Núñez 66'
- Harvey Elliott for Curtis Jones 82'
Crystal Palace
- Jordan Ayew for Michael Olise 68'
- Jeff Scluppe for Eberechi Eze 77'
- Joel Ward for Nathaniel Clyne 77'
- Jairo Riedewald for Will Hughes 77'
- Odsonne Edouard for Jean Philippe Mateta 90'