Crystal Palace were defeated 1-0 by Liverpool yesterday in their first away game of the season.
It was a much-improved performance by the Eagles as they frustrated Liverpool’s potent attack.
There were changes for both sides. Injuries meant that Wilfried Zaha, who is out for four weeks, was replaced by Andros Townsend and James Tomkins came in for Jairo Riedewald.
Liverpool made several changes following their 2-1 win against Hoffenheim, including a return for Daniel Sturridge. Sadio Mané passed a late fitness test to start after being absent from training in the week.
The South London side put in a very organised first half performance keeping Liverpool at bay.
Jason Puncheon had the best chance of the half for the Eagles after Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Townsend combined well on a counter attack but the captain’s shot was well saved by Simon Mignolet.
Christian Benteke missed a glorious chance around the 60-minute mark to put the visitors ahead following yet more fantastic play from Loftus-Cheek.
However, it was Mané who capitalised on a mistake from Luka Milivojevic to secure all three points for the Reds.
The home side continued to pepper the Crystal Palace goal but Wayne Hennessey made a string of excellent saves to keep the deficit to one goal.
A much-improved team performance from the Eagles and this is how the players performed individually.
