Medicine best served cold: Crystal Palace exposed Liverpool’s reliance on late drama

Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season at the hands of old enemies Crystal Palace, a side who had already bested last season’s champions to win the 2025/26 Community Shield.

A well-deserved corner early into the game was poorly dealt with by the reigning champions, with both Ryan Gravenberch and Conor Bradley unable to get the ball clear. The opportunity for Palace showcased defending that has been symptomatic of Liverpool’s start to the Premier League, where matches have often been decided in the dying moments.

Though Ismaila Sarr’s subsequent finish put the Eagles ahead after just nine minutes of play, the goal was not wholly reflective of Crystal Palace’s relentless assault on the Liverpool goal throughout the first half. If it were not for the brilliance of Alisson between the sticks, the Reds might have gone into half time multiple goals behind.

The result at full time gave Liverpool a taste of their own medicine

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool greatly improved as the game resumed for the second half. Former Manchester United stopper Dean Henderson was soon called into action, as a blocked Salah free kick opened up a chance for Gravenberch to thunder one goalward – only to see his effort saved by Palace’s in-form goalkeeper.

The second half spoiled us with further goalkeeping excellence, this time from the Brazilian in the Merseyside goal, with Alisson keeping out efforts from Daniel Munoz, Yeremy Pino and Jean Phillipe Mateta.

The motif of Liverpool striking late came around again as Federico Chiesa, a forgotten man in his first season for Liverpool, brought the Reds level. Thankfully for Arsenal supporters, their ex-striker Eddie Nketiah produced some last-ditch magic to seal the winner for the Eagles. The win for Palace put Arsenal in touching distance of the champions, just two points behind.

The result at full time gave Liverpool a taste of their own medicine, with Arne Slot’s side having heavily relied on late goals to secure points this season. It has been a surprisingly consistent route to success, but the sustainability of these goals in the dying embers must be brought into question.

Liverpool’s success built on last-ditch goals this season has saved what otherwise might have been labelled a problematic start for Arne Slot’s side. Overall, the Reds did not deserve anything more than a point out of the game, with Palace managing seven shots on goal to Liverpool’s four.

Liverpool’s £125 million new signing Alexander Isak looked uninspiring on his full home debut

Despite the frailties of Liverpool’s newly formed defence, comprised of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, they have managed to escape trouble towards the end of each game.

To make matters worse, Liverpool’s £125 million new signing Alexander Isak looked uninspiring on his full home debut for the Reds. He missed a huge chance in the second half, which prompted some Liverpool supporters to chant “what a waste of money” as he was withdrawn from the game by Arne Slot.

German wonderkid Florian Wirtz compounded the worries for Dutch manager Slot with a lacklustre performance that reflected his inability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, after a record move from previous treble winners Bayer Leverkusen.

A defeat like this was always going to happen, with Liverpool having relied far too heavily on “Fergie-time goals” to secure the points needed to top the league. Perhaps this is an omen for what is to come as the season progresses, with Liverpool facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next on Saturday.