The towering centre-back cruised through the 90 minutes, although the Reds are now likely to be without their No.1 goalkeeper for a while

 

The mark of champions? Liverpool eased to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace courtesy of an early strike from Diogo Jota as an assured defensive display guaranteed they would head into the international break top of the Premier League table.

The hosts couldn’t get to grips with Arne Slot’s side in the first half, with the dominant Reds breaking the deadlock after just nine minutes – Jota sneaking in to divert the ball past Dean Henderson after tidy work by Cody Gakpo on the left wing.

Palace came into the game more in the second period, with Alisson forced into making a couple of decent stops before he was frustratingly forced off with what looked to be a hamstring injury.

Virgil van Dijk, who strolled through the game and comfortably dealt with whatever Palace had to throw at him, rightly survived a penalty appeal midway through the second half and although Oliver Glasner’s side will rue not taking their chances, it never felt like the Merseysiders were going to drop points here.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (7/10):

More injury woe for the Brazilian. Had absolutely nothing to do until stoppage time in the first half, when he made a smart stop to keep out Sarr’s driven shot. Also kept out efforts from Nketiah, Eze and Chalobah before frustratingly being forced off with what looked like a hamstring issue.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):

Wasn’t able to link up with Salah as effectively as he usually does and didn’t quite carry the usual threat going forward in that inverted full-back area.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

A commanding presence in the box and won the vast majority of his duels, both in the air and on the ground.

Virgil van Dijk (8/10):

Breezed through the game and dealt effectively and efficiently with the little threat Palace posed on the break. The big talking point will be the penalty incident involving Guehi but he would’ve been outraged had his slight pull on the England defender’s arm been given against him.

Kostas Tsimikas (7/10):

Ably deputised for Robertson and it was his incisive through ball that set Gakpo through to get the assist for the opening goal. Taken off with a little over 10 minutes to go.

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Midfield

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

Didn’t quite seem himself as he uncharacteristically gave the ball away at times and was withdrawn at half-time. Hopefully nothing serious on the injury front.

Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):

The Dutchman oozes class. Controlled the midfield throughout, not only getting out of tight situations with neat touches and assured passing, but he also got forward and joined in attacks when he could.

Curtis Jones (6/10):

Got his opportunity in the starting XI ahead of Szoboszlai and although he was neat and tidy with his passing, he didn’t quite make enough of an impact in attacking areas.

 

Attack

Mohamed Salah (5/10):

After a quiet first half his big chance finally arrived in the 56th minute but he could only shoot straight at Henderson. In fairness to Salah, most of the Reds’ attacks were coming from the opposite flank and he was eventually hooked with 20 minutes to go.

Diogo Jota (7/10):

Showed his predatory instincts as he arrived on the scene to poke home the opener early on. Snatched at a shot soon after as he failed to make it two and then wasted a glorious chance as he headed wide from Alexander-Arnold’s delightful clipped free-kick.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Made the most of a rare start as he looked bright and inventive throughout the first half. Provided the cutback for Jota’s goal after a clever darting run in-behind and although he faded in the second half he played a significant role in the win.

 

Subs & Manager

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Replaced Mac Allister at the half-time interval and although he had a couple of strikes from distance, didn’t make too much impact.

Luis Diaz (6/10):

On for Salah with about 20 minutes left and didn’t manage to stamp his mark on the game.

Vítezslav Jaros (7/10):

The 23-year-old back-up goalkeeper replaced the injured Alisson for his Liverpool debut and made one decent save from a one-on-one situation with Eze to help preserve the clean sheet and three points.

Andrew Robertson (N/A):

Replaced a tiring Tsimikas late on.

Wataru Endo (N/A):

On for Jones for the final knockings.

Arne Slot (7/10):

Very much a case of job done. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to go but Liverpool got their early goal and despite not being at their devastating best they held on to stay top of the pile. Fair to say some of Slot’s changes didn’t quite pay off but having match-winner Jota in from the off – played in by Gakpo, who himself was making a rare start – ultimately worked a treat and secured the points.