Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
Liverpool have look of contenders; Pardew joins the growing ranks of Roberto Firmino rounds off Liverpool’s goal rush at Crystal Palace admirers of Klopp's irresistible side On a day when all three of the Premier League’s pacesetters flexed their attacking Crystal Palace 2 McArthur 18, 33 Liverpool 4 Can 16, Lovren 21, Matip 44, Firmino muscles, Liverpool relied on their own lust for goals to turn a potentially awkward 71 Referee: A Marriner Attendance: 25,628 contest into a celebration of blistering intent. As Jurgen Klopp attempts to end a title drought at Liverpool that stretches back Crystal Palace contributed to a captivating encounter, twice pegging back more than a quarter of a century, he might be excused for thinking that he is Liverpool as they endeavoured to contain the surges from the away team – no being assisted by his team having a lighter schedule than some of their rivals in mean feat – but Jürgen Klopp’s team were in one of those moods where they the upper reaches of the Premier League. ooze goals. Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino showcased bewitching skills. For Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, the Champions League means Sadio Mané should have helped himself to a strike or two himself. There was so challenging home games against Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen respectively this much forward momentum it was not unreasonable to forget they even had Daniel week, while Arsenal have a round-trip to Bulgaria. Klopp has one thing on his Sturridge back waiting in those familiar wings. mind, a home game on Sunday against Watford. The German manager, though, As it was, the selection comprised a team goal based on slick passing, two set sees no positives in the lack of Champions League football at Anfield. pieces and a sumptuous lob. All very tasty from Klopp’s perspective. He might "I know everyone talks about this, but I think, in Europe, 80-90 per cent of the well wonder about eradicating some of the defensive wobbles. But that is a poser teams becoming champions are in the Champions League, that's how it is," Klopp for another day. Playing like this, Liverpool can be confident that if the opposition said. "Why? Because they have quality, they can rotate, they can rest whenever. score, they will simply outscore them. They extended their dazzling run, picking It's not too cool when you are not successful. Sometimes it is an advantage, but in up their sixth win from their last seven Premier League games and had verve to the end, why does a team win the league with all these intense games in burn. midweek? Maybe you find an answer." “Sorry for this boring performance,” Klopp quipped at the end of it all. Then he Liverpool under Klopp do not lack quality. They looked irresistible at times on acknowledged that while the inherent characteristics of his team help them to Saturday against Crystal Palace, as their speed, movement and seemingly endless overcome defensive deficiencies he would sooner have a little more cool control. options in attack were a pleasure to behold. Their vulnerabilities were on display “We cannot strike back every day, but we are good enough to find a solution in too, as some sloppy defending, notably when Dejan Lovren's sliced back-pass set situations like this,” he said. “But since I am at Liverpool I am happy with the up James McArthur for the first of his two goals, left the door constantly ajar for character of my boys.” the home side. It still seems unfeasibly early to be stoking up a title-chase narrative before In the end, there were just too many positives for Liverpool, whose constant high- Halloween, but such is the bunched-up nature at the top, all eyes turned to tempo game forced mistakes from the home defence for Liverpool to be Liverpool after Arsenal and then Manchester City swept to three emphatically comfortable winners, having endured plenty of pressure at the start of the second won points earlier in the day. What ensued, in a helter-skelter match, was half when Liverpool were flagging. extraordinary. Goals always seemed likely given the encouragement Klopp gives "I can't find anything negative," Klopp said. "I don't expect perfect, perfect games. his forwards to raid in a high-energy pack coupled with Crystal Palace’s clean I'm happy, not more. I'm especially happy with the reaction in the second part of sheet allergy this season. the second half when we came back to play football again, even when we were From the 16th to the 21st minute it rained goals. Liverpool went ahead when the really tired. The first half killed us a little bit, it was so intense, so wild and good vibrant Coutinho’s scooped pass fell to Alberto Moreno, who hooked the ball back and the second half was like, 'Oh my God, doing the same again?' So you could across goal. Emre Can arrived unmarked and his shot ricocheted in. see it is not easy any more. We can't switch on and off [like] machines." Perhaps some of smoke from the firecrackers hurled from the away end got in Palace would have been aggrieved at some of the decisions of Andre Marriner, Dejan Lovren’s eye, as there was no obvious explanation for the undercooked the referee, and his assistants. Alberto Moreno was given the benefit of a close back pass which gifted Palace a route back into the game. James McArthur was on offside call before he set up Emre Can for the opening goal, while Wilfried Zaha hand to score with a clever header, nudging the ball instinctively over the (twice) and Christian Benteke had good shouts for a penalty turned down as onrushing Loris Karius. Palace pushed for a third equaliser. The irresistible law of making up for painful mistakes ensured Lovren took centre In a frantic first half, McArthur had twice levelled with his head, the first after stage again three minutes later. When Liverpool won a corner he was on point to Lovren's error, the second time beating the Croatia defender to Zaha's cross. beat his marker Scott Dann, thumping his team back into the lead with a header. Two headers from corners, by Lovren and Joel Matip, had given Liverpool a half- Liverpool’s threat bubbled constantly. The thirst for goals throughout the team is time lead but the game was settled after 71 minutes when the home defence was obvious and there could have been more as Firmino’s attempt was blocked by parted by Jordan Henderson's pass that allowed Roberto Firmino to flick the ball Joel Ward, Moreno struck a post and Mané scooped over with a free shot. over the advancing Steve Mandanda. In the spirit of the goal glut, Palace responded. Christian Benteke glanced the ball "When you have a winning team you have to have your character and to move on to Wilfried Zaha, whose inviting cross was met by none other than McArthur. quickly and I think we showed that today, especially the first half after the Having already patted his head in astonishment after his first goal, he was at it mistakes," Lovren said. again after nipping ahead of Lovren to steer in another equaliser. "We just continued to play on and I think we could score a couple more goals. If The heading contest was far from over. The crowd were almost confounded by you want to be in the top four at the end of the season or be champion, you need disbelief as yet another looked goalbound – this time from Coutinho – only for to win the smaller games like today, then we will see against the big teams. But I Steve Mandanda to scramble the ball superbly on to the frame of the goal. think we have shown this year that when we can play against the big teams, we It came as no surprise when Liverpool duly did the deed again. Just before are not scared. I think the biggest opponent for us is us." half-time Coutinho delivered a corner for Joël Matip to meet with full power. It was hard not to be impressed by Liverpool. It was at Selhurst Park two and a Pardew lamented that the game was “a bit too open for us against a side as good half years ago that their most recent, serious title bid hit the buffers. Even Alan as they are”, which was an honest enough appraisal. Pardew, the Palace manager, had to stop himself sounding too much like a Coutinho was at the heart of so much that was positive about Liverpool. Klopp cheerleader. rightly enthused about how much effort he puts in: “He is 24. His work rate is "They are as good as anyone we've played this year," Pardew said. "I'd put them outstanding. You cannot be a genius every day so you have to be a proper football in the same level as Spurs and Spurs were terrific. It's very difficult to play against player. That is how the boys are.” them. The speed, the runners, they're coming from every angle. As much as I say Palace returned after the restart intent on coming back into it again. Benteke was my back four didn't play well -- I think the two set plays and the fourth goal is dominant (Klopp intriguingly described his performance as “warm”), taking aim at where I'm questioning them -- some of the defending was brilliant, the last-ditch Karius’s goal on a number of occasions. Zaha looked plaintively at the referee as blocks and tackles. he bid for a couple of penalties but Andre Marriner was unmoved. Pardew gave a "This game came at a bad time for us. On the back of two defeats, it was always diplomatic answer when quizzed about Zaha’s appeals but was steadfast in going to be a difficult day for us. It will be a difficult day for anyone who defending his player’s need to avoid an obstacle at speed. plays Liverpool." After one of the penalty shouts, the game swung suddenly, brilliantly, down to RATINGS Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): S Mandanda 7 -- J Ward 6, S Dann 4, J Tomkins the other end. Jordan Henderson spotted Firmino’s run and found him with a 5, M Kelly 6 -- Y Cabaye 6, J Ledley 6 (sub: J Puncheon, 74min) -- W Zaha 7, J superb forward pass. The Brazilian lobbed Mandanda with beautiful precision. McArthur 7, Chong Yong Lee 5 (sub: A Townsend, 66 5); C Benteke 6. Substitutes The shirt twirling celebration was worth it. no used: W Hennessey, M Flamini, F Campbell, Z Fryers, D Delaney. Booked: Cabaye. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): L Karius 6 -- N Clyne 6, J Matip 6, D Lovren 6, A Moreno 6 -- E Can 6, J Henderson 6 -- S Mane 7, A Lallana 5 (sub: G Wijnaldum, 75), P Coutinho 8 -- R Firmino 7. Substitutes not used: S Mignolet, D Sturridge, R Klavan, Lucas, D Origi, C Randall. Booked: Can, Firmino.
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
Klopp: We can't forget to defend! Lovren's reaction to error reflects new Liverpool resolve CRYSTAL PALACE 2 Dejan Lovren's assertion that, when it comes to Liverpool's challenge in this LIVERPOOL 4 season's Premier League title race, "our biggest opponents is us" was SPEAKING on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer compared Jurgen encapsulated in the centreback's internal battle during two first-half minutes Klopp's Liverpool to the Newcastle United team of the mid-1990s christened 'The when his headed goal redeemed a mistake moments earlier that had gifted Entertainers' under Kevin Keegan. Crystal Palace an equaliser. You can certainly see how the speed, free movement and commitment to attack The Croatia international's personal experience reflected that of Jurgen Klopp's of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane is a modern-day echo of side; impressive going forward yet remaining vulnerable defensively. Shearer, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Tino Asprilla in their pomp. The manager, though, insists he is confident in his side's defensive qualities, while But, as the history books tell us, Keegan's Newcastle never won the Premier Lovren's reaction to his own error in slicing a back-pass into the path of James League title. Prioritising pure entertainment, going all-out to attack, is no McArthur, the Palace midfielder, who also outjumped the Liverpool defender for guarantee of success. a second equaliser, pointed to a resolve within the team essential for any side A gung-ho style needs a defensive counterpoint and, as Saturday's thriller at hoping to sustain a challenge at the head of the table. Selhurst Park demonstrated, Klopp still has work to do if his Liverpool side are to "I was angry. I was definitely angry," said Lovren. "The lads asked me in the achieve the necessary control over every match they play. dressing room, 'What did you want to do when you scored the goal?' I said I Going forward, they produced some of the most exciting football on offer wanted to jump into the crowd. I didn't know what to do, because I would say I anywhere. At the back is where their case to be champions this season starts to didn't deserve this. I said to myself, 'It's not possible, I am working too hard to do unravel. a mistake and to lose the game'. I said I was angry and I wanted to score the Klopp acknowledged that the end-to-end first half, in which they scored three but goal." conceded two, showed the downside to his approach. 'The first half killed us a He added: "When you have a winning team you have to have your character and little bit, it was so intense, so wild and good, and the second half was like, "Oh my to move on quickly and I think we showed that today, especially in the first half God, doing the same again?"' he said. after the mistakes. If you want to be in the top four at the end of the season or be 'You have to react, stay in the game when you feel kind of angry. That was the champion, you need to win the smaller games like today and even the next game first 15 minutes, which I didn't really like, playing "bop, bop, bop" -- making all against Watford. And then we will see against the big teams. these moves and not finishing. "But I think we have shown this year that we can play against the big teams, we 'But then you have to defend in the game, defend seriously, even when you have are not scared. I think the biggest opponent for us is us." made two really big mistakes, because we can't switch on and off like machines.' Klopp's faith in his back four may remain, but the manager is also aware that his A frenetic opening saw Emre Can open the scoring, only for Dejan Lovren's side's strengths lie further forward, where Philippe Coutinho - described by horrendous sliced clearance to gift James McArthur an equaliser two minutes Lovren as the Premier League's best player right now - Roberto Firmino, Adam later. Lallana and Sadio Mane ensured that Liverpool recovered after McArthur's goals Lovren atoned immediately with a header to restore Liverpool's lead, but was cancelled out Emre Can and Lovren's efforts. Joel Matip headed the third then outjumped by McArthur for 2-2. Luckily for Liverpool, Palace were equally immediately before half-time and Firmino added a second-half fourth. slipshod at the back and Joel Matip was left unmarked to power home their third Klopp's team are rarely less than entertaining but he said: "We don't play this way just before the break. But it was only with Firmino's fourth goal -- after Palace had because we want to show something, we do it because it helps us, because the seen three penalty shouts waved away -- that Klopp's team had control. best kind of defending is keeping the ball. It's quite logical. When you have these Still, it was enough to keep Liverpool joint-top of the Premier League with a boys it makes sense." favourable run of games to come. They are not in European competition this What makes less sense to the manager is the claim that, in addition to the season but Klopp claimed that the lighter workload compared to their rivals' isn't strengths of his squad, Liverpool's absence from Europe this season gives them an an advantage to them. advantage over their rivals. He said: 'I know everyone talks about this, but I think 80 to 90 per cent of the time "I know everyone talks about this, but I think in 80 to 90 per cent of leagues in in Europe, the teams becoming champions are in the Champions League. Why? Europe, the teams becoming champions are in the Champions League. That's how Because they have quality, they can rotate, they can rest whenever.' But it is," said Klopp. "Why? Because they have quality, they can rotate, they can rest Liverpool's style is attracting admirers. 'It's very difficult to play against them,' said whenever. Palace boss Alan Pardew. 'The speed, the runners, they're coming from every "It's not too cool when you are not successful. Sometimes it is an advantage, but angle.' in the end, why does a team win the league with all these intense games in McArthur agreed: 'I'd say that's the best side we've played against this year as a midweek?" Like Klopp, Alan Pardew, the Palace manager, was forced to reflect on team performance. The front six, the way they press the ball and rotate, they are a performance of chaotic defending that, in his side's case, led to a third a really strong contender this year in my opinion.' Coutinho was once again successive defeat. outstanding as he pulled the strings in attack and Lovren believes the Brazilian is Next weekend's trip to Burnley takes on more significance and will pose a the best player in the league. different kind of test but McArthur said: "We need to work on our defensive play He added: 'He was not just outstanding today, he was like this last year. this week, and not conceding is a big thing for us. More and more pressure is on Sometimes when a team works really well, an individual stands out and I think us with each game we don't win. I know pressure is part and parcel of being a today that was Philippe Coutinho.' Keegan's 'Entertainers' are remembered as the footballer, but one win changes everything and kicks you on for the rest of the best team never to win the Premier League. It is Klopp's mission to ensure that season." his Liverpool don't suffer the same fate. Entertainers Klopp's men are best value 5:45 The opening three goals at Selhurst SUPER STAT: This was the eighth time in 2016 that Liverpool have scored four or Park were scored in only five minutes and 45 seconds. more goals in a Premier League game. 8Saturday's Premier League game was the eighth this year in CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): Mandanda 7.5; Ward 6, Tomkins 5.5, Dann 6, Kelly 5.5; which Liverpool have scored at least four. McArthur 7.5 (Campbell 86min), Ledley 6.5 (Puncheon 74, 5.5); Zaha 7, Cabaye 6Philippe Coutinho has assisted twice in a top-flight game six times since his 6.5, Lee 5.5 (Townsend 66, 5.5); Benteke 6. Subs not used: Hennessey; Flamini, debut, more than anyone else in that time. Fryers, Delaney. Scorer: McArthur 18, 33. Booked: Cabaye. 5The five goals in the first half of the win over Palace was the most scored before LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Karius 5.5; Clyne 6.5, Lovren 5, Matip 7, Moreno 6; the interval of any Premier League match this season. Henderson 7, Can 6.5; Mane 7 (Klavan 90), Lallana 7.5 (Wijnaldum 76), Coutinho
8.5 (Origi 89); Firmino 7.5. Subs not used: Mignolet, Sturridge, Lucas, Randall. Scorers: Can 16, Lovren 21, Matip 44, Firmino 71. Booked: Can, Firmino. Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho. Referee: Andre Marriner 7.5.
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
BETTER THAN THE REST; Klopp plays down Liverpool's Euro-free Pardew and McArthur praise Klopp’s Reds campaign and says: We don't have an advantage Crystal Palace became the latest side to endorse Liverpool's title credentials after CRYSTAL PALACE 2 a harum-scarum throwback of a match on Saturday. Jrgen Klopp's heavy metal McArthur 18, 33 band eventually reduced the home side from 'Glad All Over' to 'Bits And Pieces', LIVERPOOL 4 but Palace's Dave Clark Five anthem still rang out twice in celebration of Can 16 Lovren 21 Matip 44 Firmino 71 equalising headed goals by the workaholic midfielder James McArthur before the JURGEN KLOPP is often tipped to win the title not just because Liverpool are home defence went missing twice too often. arguably playing the best football in the Premier League. Throwback or not, if Liverpool are finally to secure that first Premier League His team are a joy to watch and with their pace, energy and movement can be a success, it will not be in the Seventies style with which they once became match for anyone. champions by conceding 16 goals in 42 games. Thirteen have already gone past But that is not the reason they are increasingly fancied to become champions. them in the first quarter of the campaign, but as joint top scorers they have It is because, as pundits are queuing up to remind us, they have a huge advantage shown more than enough ability to keep up with Manchester City and Arsenal, over their rivals by not having to compete in European both of whom they matched this weekend by knocking in four away from home. football. Two came from headers at corners by Dejan Lovren, still not quite compensating Manchester City entertain Barcelona on Tuesday, Arsenal go to Bulgaria, for allowing McArthur his double, and the more reliable Joel Matip. The others, by Manchester United are in Istanbul, while Spurs host Bayer Leverkusen on Emre Can and Roberto Firmino, were the result of flexibility and movement that Wednesday. Palace's players and manager could only admire. But, after destroying Crystal Palace, Liverpool have all week to recharge their It’s very difficult to play against them, Alan Pardew said. The speed, the runners, batteries before facing Watford. they’re coming from every angle. They’ve got some fantastic players. Yet boss Klopp insists that makes no difference - and could even be a hindrance. Firmino plays that striker’s role really clever, you don’t really know where he is "Everyone talks about this but I think 80 to 90 per cent of the time in Europe, the and it’s unnatural for centre halves. He pulls you around, pops up in midfield, teams becoming champions are in the Champions League," he said. then when he’s in midfield, someone else replaces him. It’s like a piston in an "That's how it is. Why? Because they have quality, they can rotate, they can rest engine working there. whenever. It's not too cool when you are not successful. They’re a very good side, echoed McArthur. I’d say that’s the best side we’ve "Sometimes it's an advantage, but in the end, why does a team win the league played this year as a team performance. The front six, the way they press the ball with all these intense games in midweek? Maybe they find an answer." and rotate, they are a really strong contender this year in my opinion. Even though he was downplaying Liverpool's title chances, there is no denying Klopp, more used to two-horse (at most) Bundesliga race, was naturally enough they are in the mix. talking down the possibility of following his triumphs against the odds for Borussia Especially if they carry on playing as they did at Selhurst Park. The opening 45 Dortmund with an English championship. minutes was the best entertainment you will see this season for reasons good and I’ve no idea, it’s my first proper season in the Premier League. I have no idea what bad. to do to win the Premier League. I’m pretty sure it was never decided at the end Liverpool were brilliant going forward, vulnerable at the back. Dejan Lovren of October. scored but that only made up for his mistake to let in James McArthur for the first We feel good in the moment, that’s all. Points are good, performances are not of his two headed goals. always okay. Now we have one week until Watford. Emre Can and Joel Matip were also on target for Liverpool, who were 3-2 up at That notion of Klopp the naive stranger in a strange land will not wash for much the break before Roberto Firmino made it safe for them in the second half. longer. Nor will his insistence that a full week's preparation for Watford's visit Philippe Coutinho played a part in three of the four goals and the forward line was next Sunday is no more useful than the Champions League ties that City, Arsenal sensational. Klopp's philosophy of always scoring at least one more than the and Tottenham face. opposition seems to be working. Sometimes it is an advantage, he reluctantly conceded, but in the end, why does a It is brilliant to watch and came on a day when the top three - City, Arsenal team win the league with all these intense games in midweek? Because they have and Liverpool - all scored four times away from home. quality, they can rotate, they can rest. But Klopp insists his philosophy is about winning rather than entertainment. The same applies to this new Liverpool, and if they can add some clean sheets He said: "We don't do it because we want to show something, we do it because it without compromising attacking threat, the more established challengers had helps us because the best kind of defending is keeping the ball. best watch out. "It's quite logical. When you have these boys it makes sense. Palace, meanwhile, must wait to see whether the Football Association decide that "People spoke about us a lot last year as being a counterattacking team. midfielder Yohan Cabaye was guilty of a stamp on man of the match Coutinho "The boys are really skilled, so we need to play football, we can't just shoot and that was missed by the referee. run. "I have no idea what to do to win the Premier League. I'm pretty sure it was never decided at the end of October. We feel good in the moment, that's all. "We've got one week to Watford, we try to do our best."
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
Eagles' defence crumbles in six-goal thriller Outstanding Coutinho helps Reds extend unbeaten run to 11 in Selhurst Crystal Palace missed the chance to climb into the top half of the Premier League table after suffering a 4-2 defeat toLiverpool this evening. Park thriller Alan Pardew's side have now lost their last three games and are devoid of Liverpool maintained their push towards the Premier League summit with a momentum, while the Merseysiders are level on points with both Manchester thrilling 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. City and Arsenal after extending their unbeaten record to eight. The Reds' blistering firepower atoned for some woeful defending as Jurgen The opening exchanges were dull but the game burst into life as Liverpool went Klopp's men extended their unbeaten run to 11 games. ahead with their first chance when Emre Can swept home from close range, Palace twice came from behind as James McArthur's double wiped out goals from putting the finishing touch to a fine passing move. Emre Can and Dejan Lovren. Dejan Lovren gifted Palace a route back into the game when he sliced a clearance However, Joel Matip's first goal for Liverpool restored their lead before the break high into the air, allowing James McArthur to sneak in behind and head the ball and Roberto Firmino's second-half strike put the game beyond doubt. over an out-of-position Lorius Karius. There was no sign of the drama that was to follow during a drab opening spell. The Croatian defender was clearly at fault but he composed himself to fire Palace set their stall out early on as they got 10 men behind the ball and then Liverpool back into the lead - just moments after his error - by guiding a powerful looked to counter when Liverpool's attacks broke down. header past Steve Mandanda. The Reds probed without success until a classy team move brought the opening The Merseysiders' began to turn the screw, playing some superb football, but goal on 16 minutes. were cruelly exposed when Wilfried Zaha curled in a crisp cross and McArthur Predictably, the outstanding Philippe Coutinho was at the heart of it as he picked delivered a bullet header into the back of the net. out Moreno's run down the left. The Spaniard provided an inviting first-time cross Joel Matip cancelled out the Scotsman's effort with a header of his own - thanks and Can saw his low strike deflected past Steve Mandanda. to a superb delivery by the sensational Philippe Coutinho - to send his side into The celebrations in the away end were still ongoing when Palace were gifted an the break in front. equaliser in shambolic circumstances. The goal rush was not extended in the second half and although Palace There was no whiff of danger when Benteke flicked on Mandanda's long punt. threatened to draw level on several occasions Roberto Firmino popped up with an Matip played it across to Lovren, but under no pressure he produced a woeful irresistible finish over Mandanda to put the game to bed. backpass which McArthur seized upon.
The Scotland international accepted the gift as he nodded over the advancing Loris Karius. It was Lovren's fault but Karius didn't exactly cover himself in glory as he bizarrely kept his arms by his side. Lovren shook his head in disbelief but to his credit he didn't fall to pieces. Instead he went straight down the other and atoned for his blunder. The big Croatian soared above Scott Dann to power home a header from Coutinho's in-swinging corner. The touchpaper had been lit with three goals in the space of six manic minutes. Twelve minutes before the break Palace were level for a second time. Moreno didn't come close to stopping Wilfried Zaha's cross and McArthur got across Lovren to nod emphatically past Karius. Selhurst Park was rocking but Liverpool quickly regained their composure. Klopp's men should have had a penalty when Ward handled Coutinho's goal- bound header from Firmino's cross. The defender's intervention enabled Mandanda to tip it on to the post but the officials failed to spot the indiscretion. The chances kept on coming with Mane guilty of a horrible miss after Nathaniel Clyne put it on a plate for him. Just before the interval Liverpool restored their advantage. Coutinho was the provider once again and the unmarked Matip met his corner with a thunderous header past Mandanda. In the second half the contest remained on edge. Palace enjoyed more of the ball and Liverpool found themselves on the back foot. Karius' distribution was ropey at times but he did make a couple of important saves as he thwarted both Benteke and Zaha. Hearts were in mouths when Zaha twice took a tumble in the box, while Benteke also went down in a heap after a challenge from Matip. But to Marriner's credit, he didn't fall for any theatrics. Having weathered the storm, Liverpool finally wrapped up the points 19 minutes from time. Henderson's transformation into a dominant holding midfielder has been one of the features of this stirring run. The Reds captain may be playing deeper but with his range of passing he can still unlock defences. His through ball for Firmino was inch perfect and the Brazilian dinked an exquisite finish over the on-rushing Mandanda.
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
Firmino's magic clinches thriller for Liverpool Crystal Palace 2 McArthur 18, 33 Liverpool 4 Can 16, Lovren 21, Matip 44, Firmino 71 Att: 25,628 Defence forgotten as Reds seal entertaining victory If Liverpool are going to win the league in this most congested and competitive of One of the most eventful Premier League fixtures of the season continued the seasons, they are not going to do it by parking the bus. After this magnificent odd sequence in which meetings between this pair go the way of the away team. match, the presiding Anfield philosophy was writ large across the scorched It was the fifth such occasion in succession and there was no doubting the justice Selhurst turf: however many you score, we'll score more. On the ground where of it as Liverpool rejoined Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table, the club's last serious attempt to claim the title had petered out to an having lost only one game out of 13 in all competitions this season. ignominious end in May 2014, Jurgen Klopp's new-look side won with a There were five goals by half-time, as the visitors went ahead three times, from performance that was breathtaking in its pace, precision and sheer vivacity. Emre Can, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip " the latter pair of defenders heading in At times, as they span the ball around with dizzying prowess, Liverpool looked corners " before James McArthur twice equalised. It was a 45-minute feast of frankly unstoppable. Or at least they did until required to do anything attacking in which players like McArthur, Lovren and Alberto Moreno proved approaching defending. As for Crystal Palace, they can comfort themselves that better going forward than defending. they have shown they could match their visitors for attacking intent. Just a shame Palace kept going admirably thereafter, but in contrast to the earlier period they that they too appear to have a sieve where a defence should be. were the team that became victims of counter-attacking as Roberto Firmino Knowing that both Arsenal and Manchester City had won earlier in the day, Klopp clipped in the fourth goal. They were left to rue some loose defensive work that had instructed his team to begin at speed. They were on it from the start, the only illustrated why it has been so long " 15 league games " since a clean sheet. pace and wit of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana an immediate In March when Liverpool won 2-1 here, Christian Benteke was not only on the threat to a Palace defence that looked befuddled almost from the off. other side but was accused by manager Alan Pardew of diving to win the decisive The home side had not managed to keep a clean sheet for 14 games ahead of this late penalty which he then stood up to score. It completed a recovery from being contest. And it was just a quarter of an hour before they gave precise indication of 1-0 down and playing with ten men after James Milner was sent off. There could quite why they are so porous. James Milner had not made the Liverpool side be no such excuses this time. because of a virus, his sickly headache possibly brought on by the sight of the Palace's tactics were clear and they took only two minutes to send in the first long virulent lime green kit his team was obliged to wear. cross to Benteke, from Wilfred Zaha, but from then until half-time they were The thought of his left-back replacement Alberto Moreno trying to corral Wilfried more or less counter-attacking, so effectively were they pushed back. Zaha, however, was enough to give Liverpool supporters Halloween nightmares. They fell behind in the 16th minute when Alberto Moreno provided the width for But whatever his defensive shortcomings, the Spaniard's attacking instincts are Coutinho's pass and Can finished smartly, albeit with the help of a slight unimpeachable. And, after 15 minutes, he barrelled forward on to Coutinho's deft deflection off Scott Dann, the Scouse captain restored to the side after injury, chip, offering a lovely cut-back which was spanked home by Emre Can, via Scott who scored the winning goal at Anfield last season. Dann's ankle. So excited were the visiting fans by what they had seen, a flare was Two minutes more and an equaliser: Benteke, subdued until then, managed an thrown on to the pitch. It was a lead, though, that was to last not much longer important touch to goalkeeper Steve Mandanda's long ball downfield and Lovren, than it took a steward to extinguish the pyrotechnic. A long ball belted forward by receiving a square pass from Matip, miscued a backpass horribly, allowing the Holmesdale End's new hero Steve Mandanda appeared to have been McArthur to head in. The goal came just before the minute's applause due for comfortably dealt with by Joel Matip, who nodded it down to his centre back young Palace supporter Harry Davies, who was killed last week. partner Dejan Lovren. But the Croat, in the attempt to clear, spooned the ball Lovren immediately made amends for his error when he got on the end of vertically. James McArthur stole in and headed the equaliser as Loris Karius bore Coutinho's corner to score, but he was beaten in the air ten minutes later when down on him. The unfortunate Lovren rubbed his head in embarrassment, while Zaha's cross was headed in by McArthur for the Scottish international's fourth Klopp's face turned Palace purple. The defender's pain, though, proved to be goal in six matches. about as permanent as Klopp's scowl. There was much more to come, even in the dozen minutes before the interval. Liverpool won a corner, Coutinho floated the ball over and Lovren simply rose up Firmino crossed for Coutinho to head against a post, Mandanda getting a crucial above Scott Dann to head himself a bit of redemption. Klopp's grin was restored. touch and the little Brazilian was involved again before Sadio Mane side-footed It was to grow wider as, gifted the lead by slack marking, Liverpool scented blood. feebly over the bar from Nathaniel Clyne's pass. A Roberto Firmino effort was blocked by a sliding intervention from Joel Ward; a Liverpool could have had a penalty for hands against Joel Ward; and on a classic Moreno piledriver hit the woodwork after smart work from Lallana and Coutinho; counter of their own between Adam Lallana and Coutinho, the former shot across Coutinho then had a header that Mandanda brilliantly pushed on to the post. goal. And in between, McArthur gave the visitors a lesson in finishing. Zaha, now They were not to be denied though and from another Coutinho corner, Matip beginning to target Moreno, blocked the full-back's attempted clearance and headed his first goal for the club. Palace had practiced set plays on Friday with a crossed into the penalty area. McArthur arrived at the front post to steam in view to using the aerial strength of Benteke and Dann. Perhaps they should have ahead of Lovren and score. concentrated on defending against them, for the marking was again poor. Anything he could do, however, Matip could do better. With a frantic, After half-time there was no let-up as Palace came back bravely but, as it astonishing, insane half coming to a conclusion, Coutinho took another corner transpired, in vain. Twice Benteke swivelled and shot too close to goalkeeper Loris and the German, gifted the absolute freedom of the Palace box, thumped a Karius and twice home supporters were furious at being denied penalties when perfect header over Mandanda into the net. Zaha went down, a little too easily. Five more goals in 45 minutes than Old Trafford had managed all afternoon: it is The home side introduced Andros Townsend, initially left out as Alan Pardew wise never to take your eye off the action when Palace entertain Liverpool. preferred the defensive qualities of Lee Chung-yong, who worked hard but to Christian Benteke, who, despite scoring the winner here for Liverpool last season, little effect. Before the new man had time to influence the game, Liverpool had had come to Palace after failing to impress Klopp, began the second half as if keen scored again. Jordan Henderson played a fine forward pass and Firmino ran on to to prove a point. First his fierce shot was well saved by Karius, then the keeper chip over Mandanda. clawed out his header from a Zaha corner before the saving from him again he Teams was put through by a Yohan Cabaye pass. Benteke was by no means alone. Zaha Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Mandanda; Ward, Tomkins, Dann, Kelly; McArthur was leading the home resistance, Lee was piling forward, Cabaye was sniping and, (Campbell, 84), Ledley (Puncheon, 73); Zaha,Cabaye, Lee (Townsend, 65); to Coutinho's annoyance stamping. Zaha had a good claim to a penalty when the Benteke. winger was sent flying on the edge of the box by Lovren. And Benteke too looked Liverpool (4-3-3): Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Lallana (Wijnaldum, 75), to have been blocked by Matip. Klopp was getting more and more agitated, Henderson, Can; Mane (Klavan, 89), Firmino, Coutinho (Origi, 87). particularly as the fouls continued to be directed towards Coutinho. Alan Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands) Pardew's problem was that, as much as his team pressed, Liverpool were always a threat to counter on the break. First Mane, set up by Nathaniel Clyne, applied one more pass than strictly necessary to a gorgeous flowing move. Then Firmino showed him how it was done, flicking Jordan Henderson's penetrating through ball over the advancing Mandanda for Liverpool's fourth. It was a fitting end by Liverpool to a fine demonstration in the presiding glories of attack. Crystal Palace Mandanda 7; Ward 6, Tomkins 5, Dann 5, Kelly 5; Ledley 5 (Puncheon 74), Cabaye 6, McArthur 7 (Campbell 85); Zaha 7, Benteke 6, Lee 5 (Townsend 66) Subs not used Hennessey, Flamini, Fryers, Delaney Liverpool Karius 6; Clyne 6, Lovren 5, Matip 6, Moreno 5; Henderson 6, Can 7; Lallana 7 (Wijnaldum 76), Coutinho 9 (Origi 88), Mane 8 (Klavan 90); Firmino 9 Subs not used Mignolet, Sturridge, Lucas, Randall Booked: Can, Firmino Referee A Marriner (W Midlands)
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
Liverpool enjoy walk in the park CRYSTAL PALACE 2 McArthur 18, 33 LIVERPOOL 4 Can 16, Lovren 21 Matip 44, Firmino 71 At lunchtime yesterday Arsenal scored four away from home. In the afternoon Manchester City performed exactly he same feat. In the evening, in the Selhurst Park cauldron, Liverpool matched their top two peers in an always breathless, sometimes breathtaking game which showcased the very best the Premier League can offer: goals galore, thrills to spare, unabashed commitment, moments of wonder, moments of madness, loose defending, tight passing and in Philippe Coutinho, a little genius. "I am sorry for this boring performance," quipped Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager. "Everything happened in this game, but we created some unbelievable chances and nobody could say we did not deserve to win. I am not happy with certain situations in the game, but I am very happy with our reaction to them." Crystal Palace equalised twice; typically they gave everything, but with Liverpool as scintillating as this, the Londoners had limited cause for complaint. "We were up against an exceptional side today," sighed Alan Pardew, the Palace manager. "Some of their play was so fast it put us in a negative mindset and the gaps between our midfield and forwards was too great." Liverpool's James Milner was virus-riddled, allowing the much-maligned Alberto Moreno his first league start since a harrowing showing at the Emirates on the season's opening day. His defending remains unpredictable but, like his teammates, he was an attacking delight. In view of what was to come, Liverpool were uncharacteristically measured for the first 15 minutes, positioning their playing pieces with chess-like precision rather than their usual gung-ho opening. Jordan Henderson directed proceedings like an admiral rather than a mere captain, pointing out the best options irrespective of his proximity to the ball, but 16 minutes in, the phoney war exploded. The masterplan first came together when Moreno advanced and found Coutinho, who had already shown Joel Ward that the defender was going to have a most unhappy 27th birthday. The Brazilian played a perfect pass back to Moreno, who crossed hard and low for Emre Can to steer his season's first goal past Steve Mandanda, ahead of a daydreaming James McArthur, albeit off Scott Dann's trailing leg. The home side had shown little but were almost instantly level when Mandanda launched a massively hopeful punt forwards. Christian Benteke's cushioned header found only Joel Matip, who in turn headed it to Dejan Lovren. Quite what the Croat was thinking must remain a matter of conjecture, but he hoofed the ball high and backwards and as Loris Karius came to meet it with an almost complete absence of conviction, McArthur headed into the unguarded goal. Having hauled themselves level, Palace promptly surrendered again. Three minutes later, Coutinho lobbed a corner in from the left. At the back post Lovren imperiously rose above Dann, returning after missing four games with a hamstring strain and rusty on the very evening Liverpool were at their sharpest. Lovren's header flew past Mandanda for almost instant redemption. Ahead again, Liverpool began to sizzle. Moreno gambolled forward and struck Mandanda's upright with a fierce cross-shot. Indeed, it was still rattling when Palace equalised again. Benteke found Wilfried Zaha, whose cross was tempting enough for McArthur to rise above a dozing Lovren for his second headed goal of the evening. On it went. Mandanda made an astonishing save from Coutinho's downwards header after some Roberto Firmino wizardry, shortly before Mane appeared unmarked in the centre of the penalty area when found by Nathaniel Clyne. Unaccountably, Mane skied the ball into Row Z. There was more. Amazingly, there was more. Coutinho took another corner, this time from the right. James Tomkins culpably stood and watched Matip's header give Mandanda no chance. Even after their first-half feast, neither team was sated. Palace appealed long and loud for a penalty when first Zaha was felled by Lovren just outside the area. Soon the benched Andros Townsend emerged on the left -- "He wants to play on the right," noted Pardew. "I'm not going to say it isn't a problem" -- to give Palace double wing penetration and Zaha was appealing for another penalty after tumbling alongside Can. Alas for them it all came to naught when Henderson hit a glorious through ball towards Firmino, who timed his run between Tomkins and Dann to perfection before hoisting a just-as-perfect lob over Mandanda. Liverpool saw daylight at last, but Palace could only see the abyss of a third successive defeat and the ghosts of the second half of last season. Crystal Palace: Mandanda 7, Ward 5, Dann 5, Tomkins 5, Kelly 5, Ledley 5 (Puncheon 74min, 4), Zaha 7, Cabaye 6, McArthur 6 (Campbell 85min, 3), Lee 5 (Townsend 66min, 5), Benteke 6 Liverpool: Karius 5, Clyne 7, Matip 7, Lovren 5, Moreno 6, Lallana 6 (Wijnaldum 76min, 5), Henderson 8, Can 6, Mane 6 (Klavan 90+2, 3), Firmino 8, Coutinho 9 (Origi 90min, 3)
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
Liverpool moved level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City courtesy of a thrilling victory at Crystal Palace. Goals from Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino secured the Reds' fifth win in six league games and only goal difference now separates City, second-placed Arsenal and Liverpool in third. Despite their brilliance in attack, Liverpool's defence remains a weakness, with Lovren twice allowing James McArthur to level before the break. It was a wonderfully entertaining match, with the opening 45 minutes particularly pleasing on the eye as defensive mishaps and attacking verve resulted in five goals - the most in a first half in the Premier League this season. Indeed, the first three goals in a breathless encounter came within a hectic spell of five minutes and 45 seconds. Liverpool were mesmerising going forward with Philippe Coutinho pulling the strings once again with his wonderful passing. The Brazilian, 24, could have scored with a header, when Steve Mandanda brilliantly dived low to save an effort deflected off Joel Ward's hand. Had an official seen Ward's transgression, the visitors would likely have been awarded a penalty. Coutinho contributed two assists - his corners were headed home by Lovren and Matip - and played a part in Liverpool's opener, finding Alberto Moreno, whose cut-back gave Can the task of sweeping home from close range. Arguably Coutinho's finest pass was the one which did not result in a goal, a perfectly weighted ball which cut through Palace's defence and set Sadio Mane free, with the summer signing drawing a fine save from Mandanda. For all Coutinho's and Liverpool's attacking prowess, however, their defensive frailties meant victory was not certain until Firmino, put into space by captain Jordan Henderson, chipped over Mandanda. Palace form a worry for Pardew Palace have conceded seven goals in their past two league games, lost three matches in a row and not kept a clean sheet in their past 15. In a poor first half for the hosts, they gave Liverpool the freedom to attack at will and, were it not for Lovren's errors - the first an ill-judged backpass which allowed McArthur to head into an open goal - Palace may not have troubled the visitors at all. They improved after the break, pressing Jurgen Klopp's side with more urgency, but what will worry Palace boss Alan Pardew is that Liverpool could have scored more than the four they managed. Moreno hit the woodwork in the first half, while Mane shot high from six yards when free to pick his spot. Palace will argue that they could have been awarded a penalty for either of two challenges on Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke in quick succession, while Zaha also went down under Can's challenge later in the second half. Man of the match - Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) Match of the Day analysis Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy: "Liverpool have got so many options and they play with a freedom. They stretch teams and their attackers all chip in and are difficult to contain. "The number of chances they create is because of the energy they have. They remind me of the Newcastle team 20 years ago, Kevin Keegan's side of Beardsley, Ferdinand, Asprilla and Ginola. The one thing that needs to improve is the defence." What the managers said Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew: "The first half was difficult on the sideline. We talked about putting them under pressure but in the first period we did not start well. "We worked hard and defended well but we should have put more pressure on Liverpool. But they are a good team. Two set plays though, that is not us. "We have to tighten up on that area. Our centre-backs are good but they got done. It is something we have to work on. "In the second half, the game hinged on key moments. There were some penalty decisions which I thought were tight. We had a tight one last season with the same referee." Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "In the first 15 minutes we were not really at 100% then in half an hour we created chance after chance. It was a close game and a deserved win at the end. I'm a very happy man. "The defensive error we made for the first goal is because we are not at the limit of our concentration. The aggressiveness was not there at the start of the game. But I saw a lot of wonderful things offensively." The stats you need to know Liverpool scored four or more goals in a Premier League game for the eighth time in 2016 The Reds have now netted 79 league goals since Jurgen Klopp took charge - at least three more than any other team in the competition Palace are one of only two teams to have conceded in every Premier League match this season, along with bottom club Sunderland James McArthur is the second Palace player to score two headers in the same Premier League game, after Glenn Murray against West Ham in 2015 Jordan Henderson made eight tackles against Crystal Palace, the most by a Liverpool player in a league game this season What next Liverpool will aim to make it three league victories on the trot when they host Watford on 6 November, while Crystal Palace travel to Burnley, a team equal with them on 11 points in the table, on 5 November.
Compiled by Graeme Riley
Date: 29 October 2016 Mail Sunday Times Times Telegraph 29 October
2016 Opposition: Crystal Palace Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mirror
Competition: League BBC Sun Telegraph Independent Standard
is too high. Assisted by Nathaniel Clyne. Match ends, Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 4. 37' Attempt saved. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool header from the centre of the box is 90'+5' Second Half ends, Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 4. saved in the top left corner. 90'+3' Divock Origi (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 36' Offside, Crystal Palace. Martin Kelly tries a through ball, but Christian Benteke is 90'+3' Foul by Joel Ward (Crystal Palace. caught offside. 90'+2' Substitution, Liverpool. Ragnar Klavan replaces Sadio Mané. 34' Offside, Crystal Palace. Joe Ledley tries a through ball, but Wilfried Zaha is caught 89' Substitution, Liverpool. Divock Origi replaces Philippe Coutinho. offside. 88' Offside, Crystal Palace. Fraizer Campbell tries a through ball, but Andros Townsend is 33' Goal! Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 2. James McArthur (Crystal Palace header from the caught offside. centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Wilfried Zaha with a cross. 88' Attempt saved. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool right footed shot from the centre of the 32' Foul by Roberto Firmino (Liverpool. box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Sadio Mané. 32' Joel Ward (Crystal Palace wins a free kick in the defensive half. 87' Foul by Jordan Henderson (Liverpool. 31' Alberto Moreno (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 87' Fraizer Campbell (Crystal Palace wins a free kick on the left wing. 31' Foul by Lee Chung-yong (Crystal Palace. 86' Attempt missed. Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace left footed shot from outside the 29' Alberto Moreno (Liverpool hits the left post with a left footed shot from a difficult box is too high. Assisted by Wilfried Zaha. angle on the left. Assisted by Philippe Coutinho. 86' Substitution, Crystal Palace. Fraizer Campbell replaces James McArthur. 27' Attempt missed. Sadio Mané (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the box is 85' Foul by Roberto Firmino (Liverpool. high and wide to the right. 85' Joel Ward (Crystal Palace wins a free kick on the right wing. 25' Attempt blocked. Emre Can (Liverpool left footed shot from the centre of the box is 83' Joel Matip (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. blocked. 83' Foul by Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace. 24' Attempt blocked. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool left footed shot from the centre of the 82' Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool wins a free kick on the left wing. box is blocked. 82' Foul by Joel Ward (Crystal Palace. 21' Goal! Crystal Palace 1, Liverpool 2. Dejan Lovren (Liverpool header from the centre 79' Attempt saved. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool left footed shot from the left side of the of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Philippe Coutinho with a cross following box is saved in the top left corner. a corner. 78' Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 21' Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Yohan Cabaye. 78' Foul by Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace. 21' Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by James Tomkins. 77' Joel Matip (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 19' Attempt missed. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool header from the centre of the box is too 77' Foul by Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace. high. Assisted by Jordan Henderson with a cross. 76' Substitution, Liverpool. Georginio Wijnaldum replaces Adam Lallana. 18' Goal! Crystal Palace 1, Liverpool 1. James McArthur (Crystal Palace header from the 75' Sadio Mané (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. centre of the box to the centre of the goal. 75' Foul by Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace. 17' Delay over. They are ready to continue. 74' Substitution, Crystal Palace. Jason Puncheon replaces Joe Ledley. 17' Delay in match (Liverpool. 73' Attempt saved. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace right footed shot from the right side of 16' Goal! Crystal Palace 0, Liverpool 1. Emre Can (Liverpool left footed shot from the the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Joe Ledley. centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Alberto Moreno. 72' Roberto Firmino (Liverpool is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 8' Emre Can (Liverpool wins a free kick on the left wing. 71' Goal! Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 4. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool right footed shot from 8' Foul by Joel Ward (Crystal Palace. outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jordan Henderson with a through 6' Offside, Liverpool. Adam Lallana tries a through ball, but Nathaniel Clyne is caught ball. offside. 69' Offside, Crystal Palace. Andros Townsend tries a through ball, but James McArthur is First Half begins. caught offside. Lineups are announced and players are warming up. 66' Substitution, Crystal Palace. Andros Townsend replaces Lee Chung-yong. 66' Dejan Lovren (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66' Foul by Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace. 62' Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace is shown the yellow card. 61' Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool wins a free kick on the left wing. 61' Foul by Joel Ward (Crystal Palace. 61' Attempt missed. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Sadio Mané with a cross. 59' Corner, Crystal Palace. Conceded by Nathaniel Clyne. 58' Foul by Roberto Firmino (Liverpool. 58' Joel Ward (Crystal Palace wins a free kick in the defensive half. 57' Attempt saved. Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Yohan Cabaye. 54' Attempt saved. Adam Lallana (Liverpool left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Sadio Mané. 54' Attempt saved. Sadio Mané (Liverpool right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Philippe Coutinho with a through ball. 52' Corner, Crystal Palace. Conceded by Alberto Moreno. 50' Loris Karius (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 50' Foul by James McArthur (Crystal Palace. 49' Attempt saved. Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Yohan Cabaye with a cross. 49' Corner, Crystal Palace. Conceded by Joel Matip. 49' Attempt saved. Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Scott Dann with a headed pass. 49' Emre Can (Liverpool is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 48' Foul by Emre Can (Liverpool. 48' Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace wins a free kick in the defensive half. 48' Sadio Mané (Liverpool wins a free kick on the right wing. 48' Foul by Martin Kelly (Crystal Palace. 46' Alberto Moreno (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 46' Foul by James McArthur (Crystal Palace. Second Half begins Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 3. 45'+4' First Half ends, Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 3. 45'+3' Roberto Firmino (Liverpool wins a free kick on the right wing. 45'+3' Foul by Martin Kelly (Crystal Palace. 44' Goal! Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 3. Joel Matip (Liverpool header from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Philippe Coutinho with a cross following a corner. 43' Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Martin Kelly. 39' Attempt saved. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Emre Can. 39' Sadio Mané (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 39' Foul by Martin Kelly (Crystal Palace. 38' Attempt missed. Sadio Mané (Liverpool right footed shot from the centre of the box
Compiled by Graeme Riley