Even though they were playing a Palace team that their manager conceded was in “fragile” shape, Liverpool got off to the sluggish start that is typical for an early away game.

While the players regained their footing, the strong wind in south London disrupted the game’s flow, leading to few half-chances and no real chances in the first quarter.

Palace won the first one as Trent Alexander-Arnold cleared the line and then Jeffrey Schlupp found space but Alisson somehow saved his attempt.

Virgil van Dijk was first given a penalty for bringing down Odsonne Edouard, but a long video assistant referee review ruled that it was really a foul on Wataru Endo, and Liverpool were subsequently allowed free.

Even though Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai had opportunities to put the Reds on the board as halftime drew closer, they were unable to score in the first half.

Jurgen Klopp substituted Joe Gomez for Endo at halftime, shifting Alexander-Arnold to midfield, as both managers made substitutions. Endo had a lacklustre performance.

After nearly two minutes of play continued following Jarell Quansah’s foul on Jean-Philippe Mateta, Palace was awarded a penalty that seemed to come out of nowhere.

The referee conducted a thorough review in the background, and then the striker was given the opportunity to score from the penalty spot.

Klopp went back to his bench even before the penalty was taken, with Ibrahima Konate and Cody Gakpo coming off the bench to join Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai in the centre, with Quansah and Ryan Gravenberch substituted for them.

The manner Liverpool played remained unchanged, though; they lacked the necessary intensity and creativity to make an impact, especially up front.

However, shortly after Salah scored his 200th goal for the club with a deflected attempt, Palace sent Jordan Ayew out for two cards, giving the Reds a chance to salvage the situation.

Palace custodian Sam Johnstone was substituted for his Premier League debut by Remi Matthews due to an injury, which gave Liverpool an unexpected advantage.

Elliott, another substitute, scored the game-winning goal with an incredible long-range shot to put the championship challengers ahead 2-1.