Liverpool’s hopes of extending their early-season momentum were dashed as Crystal Palace beat them 2-1 at Selhurst Park, with Alexander Isak making his first Premier League start for the club. The match turned on a quick Palace start, resilient defense, and a late twist that left Liverpool with their first defeat after a run of five straight wins.
Match context and opening clock
The home side took the lead in the ninth minute when Ismaïla Sarr headed in from a corner, giving Palace a foothold early on. Liverpool pressed to respond, but missed several sharp moments in the final third as Palace soaked up pressure and relied on smart interceptions and clearances to keep the scoreline within reach. Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, produced a string of crucial saves in the first half, keeping the visitors in the contest despite Palace’s bright start.
Isak’s Premier League debut and performance
Isak, 26, had already featured for Liverpool in the Champions League and the EFL Cup, but Sunday marked his first Premier League start for the club. The swiftness and physicality of the top flight appeared to catch him at times; he struggled to find space and rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, barely getting a touch and failing to influence the game’s tempo. In the second half, he did fashion a couple of half-chances but could not convert them, and he was withdrawn in the 84th minute as Liverpool chased an equaliser.
First-half dynamics
The first half was a tense duel of transitions, with Palace defending compactly and Liverpool seeking the gap to exploit. Isak’s dry spell in front of goal contrasted with Palace’ ability to exploit wide areas and generate pressure at key moments. The visitors’ best moments came from sustained possession and attempts to unlock the Palace backline, but the finishing touch remained elusive for Isak and his teammates.
Second-half chances and substitution
After Isak left the pitch, Liverpool pushed men forward, hunting a goal to tilt the balance. While the equaliser remained out of reach for most of the half, Isak’s introduction had been seen as part of Liverpool’s plan to add threat in the final third. The change did little to alter the pattern of play, and Palace continued to defend stoutly while looking for a decisive counterattack.
Late drama and final outcome
The drama intensified late on. Federico Chiesa popped up to level the score in the 87th minute, producing a moment of late relief for Liverpool. Yet the drama did not end there. In the seventh minute of added time, Eddie Nketiah struck for Crystal Palace to seal the victory, leaving Liverpool stunned as they headed home empty-handed for the first time this season.
What this means for Liverpool going forward
The loss halted Liverpool’s winning streak and underscored the challenges Isak faces in adapting to life in the Premier League’s speed and intensity. The result also shifts Palace up the table, signaling that at Selhurst Park they remain a tough opponent for anyone. For Isak, the first Premier League start will be a learning experience—one that could sharpen his involvement in the build-up play and his finishing in subsequent appearances. Liverpool will want to regroup quickly, refine creative options in attack, and ensure Isak finds the right balance between link-up play and goal-scoring opportunities as the season progresses.
