Rampant Reds go to town on Pardew’s Palace
LIVERPOOL again closed the gap on title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City with a win over Crystal Palace.
Despite their latest errors in defence-gifting the hosts unnecessary opportunities, they again proved they have one of Europe’s finest attacks to go level on 23 points with their more established rivals, where only goal difference keeps them third.
Goals conceded to Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino could have been complemented by more as the visitors excelled.
Much has been written about the intensity of their pressing game, but as decisive as their movement was the way they continued to spread the ball.
Palace manager Alan Pardew had selected Chung-yong Lee over Andros Townsend in an attempt to restrict Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno had replaced the absent James Milner to secure his first league start since losing his place after the opening day, and he required only 16 minutes to exert his influence.
Receiving Philippe Coutinho’s pass on the left wing, he sent a onetouch cross into the path of Can, who shot first time from inside the area beyond the despairing Steve Mandanda.
Such had been Liverpool’s authority the game already appeared close to beyond Palace, but only two minutes later Lovren, under little pressure, sliced a clearance towards his own goal.
From there, James McArthur casually capitalised, running into its path and heading over keeper Loris Karius.
It took only three minutes for Liverpool to restore their lead.
From the excellent
Coutinho’s 21st-minute corner, Lovren responded to his earlier error by powerfully heading his team back into the lead. Amid more unconvincing defending in the 33rd minute, McArthur again brought Palace level. Wilfried Zaha was allowed to cross to the midfielder, who beat Lovren to score.
From another Coutinho corner in the 44th minute, Lovren’s defensive partner Matip headed Liverpool back into the lead when the well-placed Mandanda should have saved.
In the 71st minute, Jordan Henderson’s classy through-ball sent Firmino one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and the Brazilian responded by superbly chipping the goalkeeper to double Liverpool’s lead.
Palace’s ambition ensured another goal always remained possible, but Jurgen Klopp’s side were never likely to sacrifice such a lead.
On a day when City and Arsenal earlier each scored four goals to remain the League’s top two teams, the Reds again responded with a dashing display of attacking football.