Liverpool earned their first Premier League victory of the season against Crystal Palace, owing to a splendid goal by Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane was in his usual fiery form as his goal earned Liverpool their first Premier League win of the season. Crystal Palace played well but Frank de Boer’s men were subjected to their second straight defeat despite putting up an improved display at Anfield.
In fact, Jurgen Klopp’s side seemed to be heading for another frustrating draw. They wasted several chances in front of their goal, and the attack was rather blunt at several points. Mane was the only player who managed to connect the dots as he swept past Wayne Hennessey to score his second league goal of the campaign.
Palace actually seemed strong ahead of half-time. Had they managed to score then, the entire game would have taken a different turn. Regardless, the Merseyside club will be pleased to have collected three crucial points. Mane’s goal truly proved to be a turning point, following which Twitter erupted with fans posting their reactions.
When your defence has gifted Sadio Mané a golden opportunity in front of goal. pic.twitter.com/ywZjASNp2G
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 19, 2017
Has to be said that Sadio Mané is a brilliant player. One of the best wingers in Europe. What a steal it was for them. Pure class.
— – (@WengerTactic2) August 15, 2017
Let me tell you something, we've got one of the best wingers in Europe in Sadio Mané. What a beautiful human.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) August 16, 2017
Regardless of whether Coutinho stays or not, I'm in no doubt Sadio Mané is Liverpool's best player.
— Joseph Musker (@JosephMusker) August 16, 2017
Have never been more wrong about a new signing than Sadio Mane. He's incredible. Our best buy since Suarez.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) August 15, 2017
Sadio Mané cost Liverpool £36 million.
Yes, you read that right.
£36 million.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) August 19, 2017
Sadio Mané has had a hand in four goals in five matches against Crystal Palace in the top flight (three goals, one assist). #LFC
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) August 19, 2017
Mané is Liverpool's most important player right now. Unbelievable player. pic.twitter.com/lN1Hvzn7kW
— Mootaz (@Mootaz_LFC) August 19, 2017
Sadio Mané is more important to this Liverpool side than Coutinho. Pace, power, skill and finishing. Has it all.
— Dharma Bhagalia (@Kloppholic) August 19, 2017
While the fans gushed over Mane, Andrew Roberston, making his Premier League debut, was impressive as well. Liverpool’s defence looked tight-knit and strong today, which was a massive improvement. A lot of that could be attributed to the stellar debut performance by the youngster.
Haven't seen #LFC full-backs put crosses of menace in since Fabio Aurelio and Steve Finnan.
Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson have it.
— Srijandeep Das (@srijandeep) August 19, 2017
Andrew Robertson's Liverpool debut by numbers:
87% pass accuracy
10 crosses
3 chances createdSpent 70.3% of his time in Palace's half. ? pic.twitter.com/8t4IDvLvJr
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 19, 2017
Brilliant performance and debut @andrewrobertso5 ?⚽️ Keep working hard and you will have a great future ??Impressive today!
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) August 19, 2017
Heat map of Andrew Robertson today. He spent 70.3% of his time in Palace's half ? pic.twitter.com/D604PkiXGx
— The Scouse Sorcerer (@LFCfootball2) August 19, 2017
Great half from Andrew Robertson, best player on the pitch first half. Would like to see Salah on to add another dimension and inject pace.
— Joseph Musker (@JosephMusker) August 19, 2017
Andrew Robertson, could be some signing if he keeps it up. Anybody an upgrade on Moreno, today showed that. #LFC
— Nic Mason (@MrNickMason) August 19, 2017
In @andrewrobertso5, it looks like we've finally got a full back who can defend & cross a ball. Unlucky not to get 3 assists today. #LFC 2/2
— Joseph (@Joe_Turner150) August 19, 2017
Andrew Robertson created 3 chances vs Crystal Palace – more than other Liverpool player.
Fantastic debut! @andrewrobertso5 pic.twitter.com/mcCiXIYSza
— LFC Stats (@LFCData) August 19, 2017
what a guy, an actual LB, tears in my eyes
— Shah¹⁹ (@OhhManeMane) August 19, 2017
Not convinced with #LFC performance.our defence looked better with lovren and Moreno on bench. @andrewrobertso5 had an excellent game. #YNWA
— Somnath Bhunia (@a_true_kopite) August 19, 2017
Man of the match performance by @andrewrobertso5 there for me. Settled in quick, Back 4 was spot on actually ?⚽️ #LFC
— Paul Siner (@iceman23siner) August 19, 2017
Twitter going mad for @andrewrobertso5 just now. Looks like he's sealed his place on the team on his debut. Well done mate?▪️?
— Josh (@joshuawilson88) August 19, 2017
Defensively, Liverpool looked stronger but they still have a long way to go. The fans did not seem too pleased though. Take a look:
Hoffenheim should've scored 7/8 goals. It's a shame. Liverpool aren't doing anything this season with such an unserious defence.
— ?? (@TezzaH14) August 15, 2017
Sometimes I just wonder, how many goals Liverpool's attack can score against Liverpool's defence.
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 12, 2017
Liverpool FC:
Attack – Champions League
Defence – Championship— J?️©K ?? (@ClassyKlopp) August 12, 2017