Liverpool edged past Crystal Palace in their Premier League clash courtesy of a late Mohamed Salah strike.
Mohamed Salah once again came to Liverpool’s rescue as the Egyptian snatched a late winner to help move the Reds to second place on the table, albeit temporarily.
As expected, it was Liverpool who began the game brightly, controlling almost the entire possession in the early minutes and pin Crystal Palace nearby their box.
Despite Liverpool’s early dominance, it was Palace’s star man, Wilfried Zaha who came close to scoring. After a corner, Zaha lashed on to a shot which forced a good save from Loris Karius. Only a few moments later, Sadio Mane, on the other end went close to scoring.
Palace were then awarded a penalty around the 12th minute. Karius came charging towards an onrushing Zaha, who chipped the ball but was caught out by the keeper and the referee pointed to the spot. Luka Milivojevic’s execution of the spot kick was flawless, wrong-footing Karius to give Palace the lead.
Then onwards, Liverpool retook control of proceedings, dominating the ball and keeping the pressure on Palace. During this period, Palace rarely saw the ball but were getting comfortable with defending whatever Liverpool were throwing at them.
Sadio Mane then scored in what looked like an equaliser, but it was adjudged offside. By now Liverpool’s possession was nearly 75%, but Palace refused to break down and carried the lead into the second half, thwarting multiple attempts by Liverpool to attack the goal.
Liverpool continued their domination as the second half began and this time it did not take too long to score the equalising goal. After good work from Salah, Firmino and Milner on the left-hand side, Milner sent in a good, low cross to Sadio Mane who expertly finished the chance. 1-1.
Liverpool could have had another one moments later, but Sakho was on hand to intervene a good cross from Alexander-Arnold and prevented an easy tap-in for Salah. Minutes later Benteke missed two glorious chances, both created by Townsend, as Liverpool’s defence switched off momentarily. His misses showed his lack of confidence which has plagued the forward this season.
After some more end to end action by both sides, it was Liverpool who came up with the goods, and it was Mohamed Salah who came to their rescue yet again. The Egyptian has performed week after week for Liverpool this season, and it was another one of those nights where he proved decisive again.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played a Cross from the right, which fell for Robertson. The left-back was in a great position to take the shot, but instead, unselfishly squared it for Salah to score. 1-2 Liverpool.
Palace then tried their best to make amends as they were now looking for an equaliser to take something from the game. Liverpool held on and snuffed out any potential Palace attacks. Liverpool themselves had chances to score but were more inclined to protect their late lead than to do anything more to increase it.
The game ended with a Liverpool victory, which moved the Reds to the second spot on the table, albeit temporarily, but could stay there if Manchester United drop points in their game with Swansea.
Mohamed Salah, with that match-winning goal, has equalled Robin Van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring in most games (21) in a Premier League season in what was his 29th goal of the season. The forward has, for two matchdays in a row taken advantage of Harry Kane’s injury to move further clear of the Spurs striker in the race for the golden boot.
