5 points to take from Liverpool vs Crystal Palace as it ends all square
Liverpool were yet again unable to open their winning account in their 2nd Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. And we have come up with 5 key points to take from the game.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Liverpool was not able to get past Crystal Palace in their 2nd EPL fixture. The Reds took the first goal. And after this Darwin Nunez was sent off for head-butting the opponent. Luis Diaz then levelled the score in the 64th minute with a world-class goal.
Squad Crisis Already?
James Milner was put in the center of the field, and Harvey Elliott was chosen as the attacking midfielder due to the lack of other choices. Nat Phillips was used, and teenager Fabio Carvalho was the only even truly intelligent forward who could sit on the bench.
Isn’t it a little early for an injury crisis?
At the start of the 22/23 season, the growing absences are already posing a problem. Add in a backup goalkeeper, Bobby Firmino, being left out totally. And Joe Gomez only being healthy enough to play as a sub.
Naturally, some will swiftly return. Despite the timing of Naby Keita’s return to the team and the presence of Kostas Tsimikas, the fans’ pregame tantrum was predictable and at least partially fair.
Better Start but still down early
With hardly a minute left, James Milner ran into the area, out-touched a defender, and sent a shot over the crossbar. Let’s face it, it was more raw power than anything else, and it never found the net. But it was also a sight that could hardly have been more welcome after the incompetence and sluggishness of the game at Craven Cottage.
It didn’t take long before the first challenges were made. The first hard pushes were made. And the Palace backline quickly came under pressure.
With that domination and attacking attitude, fans might have felt like they were on the somewhat more comfortable ground. However, another familiar feeling would soon surface, and it would be much less welcoming.
Zaha blasted through and struck. Liverpool has been behind this season as well as in each of the previous six league games. Eight out of ten throughout all contests.
Liverpool did indeed make a comeback. However, it has already cost clubs this season. And a better balance is the need between firmly defending against infrequent counterattacks and making better use of the impact made by the attack to force opponents to chase the game themselves.
Elliott’s impact
Like the previous time, the pace of the overall team approach was closely related to the performance in the center of the park.
The most notable personnel move was Harvey Elliott. He had only made two league starts since last September.
The young player performed admirably as the Reds dominated the first half. He was often overlapping, creating himself a few shooting opportunities, and putting in a lot of defensive work to sneak in and steal the ball, play it back to the recyclers, and restart our dominance.
Different Nights for the South Americans
Darwin’s day was to come with his home debut and an anticipating Anfield crowd after his significant contribution coming off the bench at Fulham.
It’s fair to say that things didn’t exactly go as plan, however, as Nunez missed a couple of early chances. He was then given a straight red before the hour mark after reacting foolishly to being shoved by throwing out a headbutt. Putting aside the absurdity of it, this team has not been about having a strong response when dealing with tough situations under Klopp.
He must understand that right away.
It’s fair to say that Luis Diaz this season was somewhat overtaken by Darwin, who had been the main attraction.
Manchester and Monday again
There is always someone worse than the season’s start in terms of outcomes. It marks the first time since 2012 that we were unable to win either of the first two games. Typically Everton. Technically, they are still in charge this year. Although Man United are also there.
Naturally, another Monday night game versus that team is up next.
Given how terrible they have been thus far, it is simple to say that we should destroy them. And we should. However, there are definite areas in which Liverpool needs to improve right away.
If the Reds suddenly want to be drawn into that old battle of being top four rather than title rivals, there is simply no room for error at this early point.
