Crystal Palace edge Liverpool in a stoppage-time thriller
Crystal Palace produced a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Selhurst Park, with Eddie Nketiah scoring eight minutes into stoppage time after a long throw from Jefferson Lerma found him in the box. The late strike capped a night of twists, capped by a VAR check that cleared Palace of any offside and sent the home fans into delirium. Federico Chiesa had already levelled for Liverpool in the 87th minute, but Arne Slot’s side held their nerve in the closing moments to claim all three points.
Key moments setting the drama in motion
Palace began with purpose and took the lead during a highly scrutinised sequence around the eighth-minute corner. A header from Ismaïla Sarr at close range followed a set-piece that replays suggested may have been marginal in the decision-making process, but the opener stood. Liverpool responded with sustained pressure and had a hand in several near-misses. The visitors also enjoyed a moment of anxiousness when Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a crucial stop after a close-range effort, as the game swung on fine margins.
Chiesa’s leveller and a late twist
As the clock ticked towards the final quarter, Federico Chiesa volleyed home from a loose ball inside the area to level the scores at 1-1 in the 87th minute, keeping Liverpool’s scoring streak intact for the campaign. Palace hadn’t folded, though, and the match swung back in their favour when Lerma’s long throw found Nketiah at five metres. The forward’s composed finish appeared to seal a remarkable win, only for a VAR review to confirm the goal was onside and the celebrations to begin in earnest for the home supporters.
Reaction and implications
Commentators on Viaplay and Sky Sports debated the evening’s events, with one analyst remarking that Liverpool’s early-season form had been exceptional but that Selhurst Park can still throw up surprises. Slot, whose side extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions, faced questions about a subpar first half, while Liverpool, who still sit atop the table after six games, were forced to reflect on the result that ended their perfect start. It was also noted that Liverpool have continued to score in every league game this season, a streak that adds a different kind of pressure after a defeat that stings more because of the timing.
Context, table, and what’s next
The two clubs had met earlier in the season in the Community Shield, where Palace and Liverpool drew 2-2 before Palace won on penalties. As the league table settled, Palace rose to second place ahead of Bournemouth, while Liverpool remained runners-up in the standings due to the single blemish on their six-game run. Palace’s 18-game unbeaten streak now stands as a benchmark for Slot’s squad and a warning to the rest of the division: they will not roll over easily at home. Liverpool, on the other hand, will surely look to bounce back in their next assignment as they chase a title challenge once again.
