Liverpool defeat Crystal Palace 3-1 to increase pressure on Pierre Sage

Liverpool secured a 3-1 Premier League victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, moving into fourth place and leaving the hosts at the bottom of the table.

Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring late in the first half, heading in a free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. According to News, the goal came after Quinten Timber lost track of the Argentinian international. Despite the scoreline, News reported that Alisson Becker was arguably Liverpool's top performer, making six saves to deny Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton during a half where Palace's Yeremy Pino also hit the crossbar.

The lead was doubled in the 54th minute when Bradley Barcola assisted Florian Wirtz on a counter-attack. The Guardian noted that Wirtz's clinical first-time finish ended a 12-game goal drought in the Premier League. Alexander Isak added a third goal in the 89th minute after being set up by Wirtz, prompting many home supporters to exit the stadium before the final whistle.

Crystal Palace managed a consolation goal with the last kick of the game through an Eddie Nketiah penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Milos Kerkez was judged to have fouled substitute Dario Osorio. While the goal prevented Palace from going four games without scoring, BBC Sport and News highlighted that this was the fourth consecutive league defeat for Pierre Sage's side.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola told ESPN that his team "needed" the result following a disappointing week. Meanwhile, Sage admitted after the match that he hopes to make adjustments during the winter transfer window as his position remains under scrutiny. The Guardian noted a lack of boos from the home crowd despite the result.

Background

Liverpool entered the match following back-to-back defeats against Arsenal in the Premier League and Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Crystal Palace's home atmosphere was affected by a protest from the Holmesdale Fanatics regarding the club's treatment of supporters.