Sadio Mane scored his 100th goal for Liverpool in a comfortable 3-0 win over a spirited Crystal Palace. The match took place at Anfield and turned out pretty fast-paced.
Klopp fielded an intriguing line-up this time. Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson were left out. Instead, James Milner and Kostas Tsimikas made appearances on the wings.
Completing the defense for the Reds was Virgil van Dijk and a first start for new signing Ibrahima Konate. As reported, Brazilian Roberto Firmino was sidelined with injury, with Diogo Jota filling in his spot in the front three.
Liverpool dominate Crystal Palace
An early scare for Liverpool called upon Alisson’s reflexes to prevent the Reds from going behind. Wilfred Zaha tiptoed his way in and powered a shot to Alisson’s far corner. Luckily, the Brazilian stretched and batted the ball to safety.
In reply, the Reds took control of the game and moved forward to breach the Palace defense. Skipper Jordan Henderson got close 15 minutes in after a good piece of play saw the captain nearly get a second goal in two games from a wide angle.
Liverpool then inevitably opened the scoring through Sadio Mane. The Senegalese bagged his 100th goal in a Reds shirt. Mo Salah headed at Guaita who parried successfully but Mane was quick to pick up the scraps and turn it in.
The Eagles kept applying loads of pressure. They were fully aware that the game was still open for them to find a way back. However, not to be outdone, Salah netted for another in a row to make it 2-0. This marks the Egyptian’s 99th for the club.
Naby Keita chose to end the tie in style shortly after coming on. Following a corner, the midfielder volleyed the ball into the corner, leaving Guaita helpless. His bullet of a long-range effort stunned the crowd and himself.
With this win, Liverpool rise to the top of the table with an extra game played. Crystal Palace meanwhile sit in 13th with a single victory.
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