Mohammed Salah scored his 200th Liverpool goal as Liverpool snatched a 2-1 victory at 10-player Crystal Palace, sending them top of the Premier League.
Both sides headed into the game in differing form – Liverpool losing just one of their last 26 Premier League games, while Crystal Palace were booed off by their own fans on Wednesday after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
But Crystal Palace were the better side for much of the encounter. It took 76 minutes for Liverpool to register a shot on target as Salah’s shot was deflected home, coming less than a minute after Jordan Ayew was sent off for two yellow cards.
The hits kept coming for Crystal Palace too as their No 1 Sam Johnstone was taken off with an injury soon after with Liverpool in the ascendancy. His replacement, Remi Matthews, could do little to stop a fine curling effort from Harvey Elliott (90+1) to win the game in added time.
The Eagles had gone ahead through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 57th-minute penalty, given by VAR around two minutes after he was fouled by 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah inside the area. He then coolly slotted past Alisson for his first Premier League goal of the season.
But Liverpool showed once again they can win even when they are not at their best, and go top of the Premier League ahead of third versus second – Aston Villa vs Arsenal – live on Sky Sports at 5.30pm. Crystal Palace remain in 14th with 16 points, now losing four of their last five league games.
More to follow.
What’s next?
Thursday 21st December 7:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Crystal Palace visit champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday December 16, kick-off 3pm. Palace then host Brighton on Thursday December 21, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 8pm.
Liverpool travel to Union Saint-Gilloise for their final Group E fixture in the Europa League. The Reds have already secured top spot. Kick-off 5.45pm.
Jurgen Klopp’s side then host Manchester United, live on Sky Sports, on Sunday December 17. Kick-off 4.30pm.
Sunday 17th December 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
