Player Ratings: Florian Wirtz shines as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace

Player Ratings: Florian Wirtz shines as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool: Wirtz and Isak Score as Reds Claim Premier League Victory Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak secured three points for Andoni Iraola’s side, while Eddie Nketiah converted a stoppage-time penalty for the hosts. Crystal Palace created several opportunities throughout the contest, but Liverpool’s greater efficiency in front of goal and an outstanding performance from Alisson Becker ultimately proved decisive. Mac Allister Gives Liverpool First-Half Advantage Liverpool arrived in south London following consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahce, prompting Iraola to make five changes to his starting line-up. Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Isak returned to the attack, while Dominik Szoboszlai retained his place in midfield. The visitors started brightly, with Mac Allister testing Dean Henderson inside the opening minute before sending a header narrowly off target. Crystal Palace gradually grew into the contest and threatened through Yeremy Pino, who struck the crossbar. Jorgen Strand Larsen also had the ball in the net shortly after the half-hour mark, although his effort was ruled out for offside. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was called upon to deny Pino as Pierre Sage’s side continued to create openings. The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Szoboszlai delivered a free kick from a wide position, allowing Mac Allister to head Liverpool into the lead. Alisson made further saves before the interval to preserve the visitors’ advantage. Photo: IMAGO Wirtz Doubles Liverpool Lead After Interval Liverpool made a tactical adjustment at half time, switching the positions of their wide players. The change produced a second goal in the 54th minute when Bradley Barcola provided the assist for Wirtz to finish past Henderson. It was the German international’s first Premier League goal of the season and gave Liverpool a two-goal advantage. Crystal Palace continued to push forward, with Pino again testing Alisson following a defensive error from Jeremy Jacquet. The Liverpool goalkeeper maintained his impressive performance, making several important interventions as the home side attempted to reduce the deficit. Both teams made changes during the second half, with Palace seeking a route back into the contest. Isak Scores Before Late Palace Penalty Liverpool added their third goal in the 90th minute when Isak finished a counter attack following an assist from Wirtz. The Swedish striker’s eighth goal of the campaign effectively secured the result after he had missed an earlier opportunity. Crystal Palace continued attacking during stoppage time and were awarded a penalty when Milos Kerkez committed a late challenge while contesting a header. Substitute Eddie Nketiah converted from the spot in the fifth minute of added time, denying Liverpool a clean sheet. The result ended Liverpool’s two-match losing sequence and provided a positive conclusion to their schedule before the international break. Iraola’s side will next face Manchester United at Anfield, while Crystal Palace will look to improve their Premier League position following another defeat. Full-time: Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool Goalscorers: Mac Allister (40′), Wirtz (54′), Isak (90′), Nketiah (90+5′, pen). Player Ratings Crystal Palace Dean Henderson – 6 Chris Richards – 5 Axel Disasi – 5 Jefferson Lerma – 4 Oscar Mingueza – 6 Tyrick Mitchell – 7 Adam Wharton – 5 Quinten Timber – 6 Daichi Kamada – 6 Yeremy Pino – 5 Jorgen Strand Larsen – 6 Liverpool: Alisson Becker – 9 Ronald Araujo – 6 Jeremy Jacquet – 7 Virgil van Dijk – 7 Milos Kerkez – 5 Alexis Mac Allister – 9 Dominik Szoboszlai – 7 Florian Wirtz – 9 Cody Gakpo – 6 Bradley Barcola – 6 Alexander Isak – 8