Crystal Palace ended Premier League leaders Liverpool’s five-match winning streak with a dramatic 97th-minute winner from substitute Eddie Nketiah at Selhurst Park.
The hosts, who were dominant for large spells of the enthralling fixture, secured a deserved 2-1 victory that lifts them up to second place in the table.
Liverpool, whose performance was notably below par, appeared to have salvaged an undeserved point when Italian forward Federico Chiesa struck in the 87th minute. However, Nketiah pounced at the far post deep into stoppage time to condemn Arne Slot’s side to their first defeat of the season.
Palace Domination
Palace, extending their superb unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 games (equalling a club record set in 1969), tormented the visiting defence throughout the first half.
They took an early lead through Ismaila Sarr’s ninth-minute bundled effort following a corner. Despite their superiority, they failed to convert numerous opportunities, largely due to the brilliance of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian made superb saves from Yeremy Pino, Daniel Muñoz, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was also denied by the woodwork after a fluent Palace move.
Late Drama
Liverpool, featuring their record £125m signing Alexander Isak in his full Premier League debut, improved after the interval. Palace keeper Dean Henderson was called into action, tipping Ryan Gravenberch’s powerful drive onto the post and denying Florian Wirtz from close range. Isak also spurned a clear opportunity, shooting wide when one-on-one with Henderson.
The champions’ famed ability to score late was demonstrated when substitute Chiesa finished from close range to level the score.
Yet, it was Palace who delivered the final, decisive blow. Nketiah finished a low cross, with the goal surviving a tense VAR review that confirmed Gravenberch was just onside in the build-up, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
The result marks a significant early season statement for Crystal Palace, while Liverpool must regroup after a performance their manager, Arne Slot, will likely view as their worst of the campaign so far.
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