Crystal Palace’s growing reputation expanded to Selhurst Park’s “Holmesdale Fanatics” when they witnessed Liverpool’s flaws being cruelly exposed this season.
The Eagles had taken the visitors apart for 34 minutes, with only an Ismaila Sarr goal to show for their dominance, when the club’s famed section of support delivered their verdict.
“We’re going to win the league” resonated around this grand old atmospheric stadium, perhaps exaggeratedly, but it was a strong indication of how outstanding this Palace team is.
Liverpool have been on the verge of disaster all season, despite winning five consecutive Premier League games, with an influx of new and expensive recruits unable to mask defensive vulnerabilities initially exposed at Wembley Stadium in August when Palace defeated them on penalties to win the Community Shield.
Oliver Glasner’s team refused to let the Reds off the hook, as they have done with past opponents this season, despite only leading 1-0 at halftime when it could have been 6-0.
Sarr’s ninth-minute opening was scant reward for a furious Palace display, with Liverpool keeper Alisson—the only player in their side to emerge unscathed—stopping excellently from Yeremy Pino, Daniel Munoz, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who also hit the crossbar.
After Federico Chiesa’s 87th-minute equalizer, it appeared that Liverpool’s great display would only result in a point, but substitute Eddie Nketiah scored a deserving victory with nearly the final kick of the game in the 97th minute.
It was only their second league victory against Liverpool in 17 encounters, and the first at home since 2014.
Selhurst Park erupted in celebration, but this is what Palace fans have come to expect under Austrian Glasner’s outstanding leadership.
It was only their second league victory against Liverpool in 17 encounters, and the first at home since 2014.
Selhurst Park erupted in celebration, but this is what Palace fans have come to expect under Austrian Glasner’s outstanding leadership.
