Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool: Late drama at Selhurst Park
Saturday’s Premier League action delivered a dramatic twist at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace shocked Liverpool 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner. Palace opened the scoring in the 9th minute when Ismaïla Sarr capitalized on a rare miscue by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The error set the tone for a tense first half, during which Palace defended stoutly and Liverpool pressed for an equaliser, often coming close but thwarted by the hosts’ compact backline and again by Alisson’s sharp reflexes.
After the break, Palace maintained discipline, inviting Liverpool to break them down while hunting for a counter. Manager Arne Slot reshuffled his side and Liverpool responded with changes from the bench, including a shift in shape that saw Dominik Szoboszlai operate in a more defensive midfield role and fresh legs in attack. The equaliser finally arrived in the 87th minute through Federico Chiesa, a super-sub who made an immediate impact after entering the fray. It was a moment of relief for the visitors and a signal that the afternoon was far from over, even as Palace clung to a hard-earned point.
The finish, however, belonged to Palace. In the 96th minute, Eddie Ankitya, a late substitute, rose to meet a corner and powered a header into the net, sparking jubilant scenes among Palace supporters. A lengthy VAR review followed, but the decision stood, and the stoppage-time goal sealed a remarkable win for Palace. The outcome underscored how thin the margins can be in the title race and how a single crack in concentration can decide a match in stoppage time.
Liverpool had every intention of keeping pace at the top, but the result leaves them with some work to do. With this result, Liverpool sit in a position that will depend on others’ results in the coming fixtures. They now prepare for a high-profile next challenge, a meeting with Chelsea that could define their momentum in the weeks ahead. Earlier on Saturday, Manchester City reminded everyone why they’re title favorites by routing Burnley 5-1, a result that will only sharpen the focus on how teams respond to pressure in this demanding stretch of the season.
Key moments and turning points
Ismaïla Sarr’s early strike put Palace on the front foot, capitalizing on a rare miscue by the Liverpool goalkeeper. Alisson Becker’s heroics in the moments that followed kept the score manageable for Liverpool as Palace defended resolutely. The visitors finally found a breakthrough through Chiesa in the 87th minute, a reminder of the depth and quality within Jurgen Klopp’s squad when firepower is needed from the bench.
The late winner by Ankitya encapsulated the match’s mood: a game that swung on a handful of decisive moments. A prolonged VAR check added drama, but ultimately the goal stood, and Palace celebrated a win that could have far-reaching implications for both clubs’ ambitions this season.
Looking ahead, Liverpool must regroup quickly as they chase consistency in a crowded table. Palace, by contrast, will take encouragement from a performance that combined defensive resolve with a lethal counter-punch when opportunities arose. The weekend’s other results, including City’s convincing 5-1 win over Burnley, remind everyone that every matchday can reshape the landscape of the Premier League title race.
