Crystal Palace stun Liverpool with stoppage-time winner
Crystal Palace produced a dramatic late turnaround to defeat Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park, with Eddie Nketiah finding the net eight minutes into stoppage time after a VAR check cleared the goal. The result handed Liverpool their first defeat of the season and kept Palace on a tight unbeaten run that now stretches to 18 matches.
A frenetic start and a contentious opener
The game began with Palace showing intent and taken the lead early. A long throw from Jefferson Lerma floated into danger and, after a moment of confusion in the box, Ismaïla Sarr tapped home for 1-0. Replays suggested a touch from a Liverpool defender before the ball reached Sarr, sparking debate over whether the corner league should have been awarded. Nonetheless, Palace struck first as the hosts pressed to make the most of the early momentum.
goalkeeper heroics and a near-miss-filled first half
The match swung on a series of spectacular saves from Palace keeper Dean Henderson. He denied a sharp close-range volley and later palmed away a 11-metre strike from a Liverpool attack, before Mateta tested him again with a powerful shot that clipped the post on its way out. Liverpool’s attacking surge was checked, with Henderson and Palace’s back line absorbing the visitors’ pressure as the first half wound down.
Chiesa’s equaliser and Nketiah’s late winner
Just after the hour, Dominik Szoboszlai found Florian Wirtz in a dangerous position and the German tight-angled shot forced a stellar save from Henderson; moments later, Federico Chiesa rifled home in the 87th minute to level the score. The drama intensified as Palace struck again in stoppage time. A long ball into the box caused a scramble and fell to Nketiah, who finished calmly past Alisson after a VAR review indicated the strike was onside. The crowd exploded as Selhurst Park celebrated a late, deserved winner for Arne Slot’s side.
Standings, tactics and what’s next
Liverpool retained top spot after six rounds, but Palace’s victory reinforced their status as a resilient, high-pressing side capable of taking points off the league’s leading clubs. Palace’s 18-game unbeaten spell continues to be a club record-level run, while Liverpool’s scoring streak—reaching 40 matches in a row this season—was finally halted by the stubborn defense and late finishing of Palace. The loss also raises questions for Arne Slot about how to maintain control when rotation and intensity from opponents ramp up in stoppage-time drama.
Reactions and tactical takeaways
Analysts applauded Palace’s aggressive approach in the early stages and their ability to convert chances when needed. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be asked to reassess their game management in the closing minutes of matches, even as the attacking trio around Szoboszlai and Wirtz shows promise for the remainder of the campaign.
Impact for the season
The result changes the feel around the table: Liverpool staying at the top, Palace rising into a strong position behind Bournemouth. The clash demonstrated that Palace can break down a top-tier side and chase a late winner, while Liverpool’s players learned that every minute of a match can be decisive when a rival is chasing victory.
