Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace

Talking points from Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace

Liverpool picked up another impressive win over bogey team Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Reds were not at their scintillating best but held tight to ultimately see out the victory. The win puts Jurgen Klopp’s men in the early pack of charges and second behind only Manchester City, on goal difference.

The Reds look a completely different side to the one that finished fourth in the league last season and many have touted them as serious title contenders this time. As the Reds romped to another victory, here we take a look at the most important talking points from the game.

Cohesion and stability in the midfield

Jurgen Klopp added the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Naby Keita, and Fabinho to his outfield department during the summer. Of the trio, Keita has shone in his two games for Liverpool. The Reds lacked a pure runner on the ball capable of distributing and defending when needed, but those issues have been solved with the arrival of Naby Keita.

Fabinho has also shown in pre-season that he has got the ability to flourish in Klopp’s system and the Brazilian is slowly getting himself up to the speed.

Masterclass by Alisson

One of the key areas Klopp addressed over the summer was Liverpool’s goalkeeping department. Both Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet were far too inconsistent and shaky in goal. But the Brazilian has come in and made the role his own already. Alisson made a number of vital saves to frustrate the Eagles.

What’s even better is that the former Roma shot-stopper didn’t show any signs of nervousness. He seemed confident and composed with every save he made. Alisson also attempted a total of 23 passes on the field, completing 21 of those.

The goalkeeper played a number of sublime long balls which saw Liverpool immediately initiate the counter. With the Brazil No.1 in goal, Liverpool are now an attacking threat from every area on the field.

Grinding out the win

Last season, the Reds might have probably lost this game or come away with just a point. But this Liverpool team showed that they are capable of holding their own to see out the victory. On countless occasions would Jurgen Klopp’s men throw away marginal leads.

But the addition of Virgil Van Dijk, Naby Keita and Alisson Becker has certainly cleared up a number of issues in the squad. Though Liverpool’s devastating front three were unable to pull their usual antics, the rest of the team showed that they are capable of holding onto a slender lead.