- Mohammed Salah scores 200th Liverpool goal as Liverpool go top
- Controversy unfolded as Jarell Quansah’s challenge on Mateta led to a VAR-awarded penalty
Mohamed Salah marked his 200th goal for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s team staged a late comeback against 10-man Crystal Palace, securing the top spot in the Premier League and intensifying pressure on former manager Roy Hodgson.
Salah achieved a milestone, becoming the fifth player to score 200 goals for the club. He joins the esteemed company of Ian Rush, Roger Hunt, Gordon Hodgson, and Billy Liddell. The 76th-minute equalizer sparked Liverpool’s comeback.
Harvey Elliott secured the decisive moment, delivering a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area within the first of 10 minutes of added time. This propelled Liverpool above Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
Salah’s goal came a mere 98 seconds after Jordan Ayew received a second yellow card and was dismissed. Remarkably, the visitors had not registered a shot on target before this pivotal moment.
Palace, facing fan discontent after a recent home loss to Bournemouth, stirred up a challenge to Liverpool’s title hopes with a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Controversy unfolded as Jarell Quansah’s challenge on Mateta led to a VAR-awarded penalty, quickly given by referee Andy Madley after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Earlier, a penalty decision for Palace was overturned during a VAR review of a challenge by Will Hughes on Endo, setting the stage for a tense encounter.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, breaking down the resilient hosts proved challenging. The returning Alisson showcased his prowess with crucial saves, including pushing Jefferson Lerma’s shot onto the post.
READ ALSO: Ansu Fati Out for 3 Months, Leaves Void in Brighton’s Lineup
Alisson’s heroics persisted, denying Joachim Andersen’s header in the 100th minute and securing Liverpool’s hard-fought victory over Palace.
With this win, Liverpool claimed the top spot in the Premier League, edging one point ahead of last season’s runners-up Arsenal. The Reds now await the outcome of Arsenal’s clash with third-placed Aston Villa later on Saturday.
“I told the boys that’s the first game I’ve seen somebody play as bad as we did for 76 minutes and still win,” Klopp told TNT Sports.
“In this period of the year we have to get through, we need results. Nobody is in for the Oscar award for best football game ever, it’s about three points. We got them and we are more than happy.”
Liverpool’s Late Show Demonstrates Title Momentum
Following a challenging match at Selhurst Park, Liverpool showcased their title aspirations with a late comeback, emphasizing their status as genuine contenders. Despite a frustrating game with limited clear-cut chances, Liverpool’s sole league defeat this season remains the controversial stoppage-time loss at Tottenham.
Similar to their closest rivals, Arsenal, Klopp’s side exhibits resilience by turning setbacks into victories. Leading the league with 14 goals scored in the last 15 minutes and earning an unmatched 18 points from losing positions, Liverpool’s ability to navigate adversity is a key factor in their success.
While champions Manchester City have faced challenges, Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to nine games, temporarily leapfrogging Arsenal. Klopp, despite expressing disdain for early Saturday kick-offs, refreshed his side with five changes from their midweek win over Sheffield United, including goalkeeper Alisson’s return from a two-match absence.
Although the visit to Selhurst Park initially appeared as a missed opportunity, Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of a late result was significantly aided by Jordan Ayew’s exit. After Mohamed Salah equalized, Harvey Elliott’s stunning strike became the rewarding climax of Liverpool’s persistence.
Salah’s remarkable tally of 200 goals in 327 appearances since joining in June 2017 highlights his crucial role in Liverpool’s title push. Additionally, Salah reached 150 Premier League goals and emphasized the team’s fighting mentality, drawing parallels to Liverpool’s 2019-20 title-winning side.
“I see the mentality to keep fighting until the end. We keep doing that,” said Salah, expressing optimism about the team’s potential this season. With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, Liverpool aims to achieve something special in the current campaign.
Pressure Mounts on Hodgson Amidst Struggles
Despite an improved performance compared to their loss to Bournemouth, Crystal Palace finds themselves in a precarious position, increasing the pressure on manager Roy Hodgson to orchestrate a change in fortunes.
Recent results paint a grim picture for Palace, as they have secured only one win in their last nine league matches, suffering six defeats and accumulating a mere five points. The recent losses to Everton, Luton, and Bournemouth, three of the six sides below them, raise concerns among supporters.
Hodgson, acknowledging the fans’ frustration, apologized after suggesting they had been “spoiled” in recent times. His past struggles against Liverpool continue, having lost all eight meetings during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure. Despite a potential opportunity against Liverpool, Ayew’s dismissal marked the beginning of Palace’s downfall, resulting in four consecutive Premier League home defeats for the first time since February 2017.
The challenges persist for Palace as they face a daunting trip to Manchester City next. Expressing his disappointment, Hodgson emphasized the harsh treatment they received, particularly after going down to 10 men. The manager’s comments to the referee reflect the frustration as Palace grapples with a demanding period and seeks a turnaround in fortunes.
