Eddie Nketiah scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Crystal Palace a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Saturday, ending the champions’ perfect start to the Premier League season and leaving Palace as the only unbeaten side.
Palace took an early lead through Ismaila Sarr, who capitalised on a deflected corner in the ninth minute to score from six yards. Liverpool struggled to respond in the first half despite chances for Yeremy Pino and Ryan Gravenberch, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson and his counterpart Alisson producing key saves. Jean-Philippe Mateta had several opportunities to extend Palace’s lead but was denied by both the post and wayward finishing.
Liverpool grew in the second half, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak missing clear chances. The visitors seemed to have salvaged a point when substitute Federico Chiesa equalised in the 87th minute, curling the ball into the bottom-left corner.
The final twist came from Palace’s own substitute, Nketiah, who controlled Marc Guehi’s flick-on with his chest before volleying the ball through Alisson’s legs in the seventh minute of stoppage time. The goal stood after a VAR check for a potential offside.
Sarr’s return from a two-game absence proved pivotal for Palace. Besides scoring the opening goal, the 27-year-old constantly troubled Liverpool’s backline with his pace and nearly assisted a second goal for Pino. Manager Oliver Glasner shifted Daichi Kamada into midfield to support Sarr and maintain pressure on the champions during the first half.
Glasner’s substitutions proved decisive, with Nketiah entering in the 75th minute to score the winner, while Will Hughes’ introduction helped Palace resist Liverpool’s second-half momentum. Palace now prepare for a busy week, starting with their UEFA Conference League campaign against Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday, followed by a league trip to Everton.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be concerned about defensive vulnerabilities exposed during the match. Ibrahima Konate struggled at the back, losing possession and footing at critical moments. The absence of Giovanni Leoni leaves Slot with only three recognised centre-backs until the January transfer window, adding pressure ahead of upcoming fixtures against Galatasaray and Chelsea.
Glasner said he was delighted with the result, praising Nketiah’s impact after a long injury. Slot acknowledged Palace’s strong first-half performance and lamented the late concession that decided the game.
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