Liverpool Beat ‘Bogey’ Team

Liverpool Beat ‘Bogey’ Team

Ever since that thrilling 4-3 FA Cup semi-final defeat in 1990 Crystal Palace have been a bit of a bogey team for Liverpool, they have been a thorn in the Anfield club’s side on numerous occasions and more recently they ended the Reds title hopes a couple of seasons ago when they came back from 3 goals down to draw 3-3 in the last 10 minutes, Palace also beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield last season.

Every Liverpool supporter knew it would not be an easy game against a team that has caused so many problems in the past, but they also knew it was fixtures like these that they must win if they are to remain serious title contenders.

Jurgen Klopp only made one change from the team that beat West Brom last weekend with Alberto Moreno replacing James Milner who had been unwell during the week.

Liverpool started the game in dominant fashion and deservedly took the lead after a great move down the left saw Moreno’s first time volleyed-cross turned in by Emre Can.

Liverpool’s celebrations were cut short when Dejan Lovren’s miscued clearance allowed James McArthur to head past the onrushing Karius to equalise.

You could see Lovren’s disgust at his mistake by the look on his face, but the big defender was quick to respond to his mistake by giving Liverpool the lead for the second time by heading in a Coutinho corner.

It was a whirlwind few minutes but Liverpool were playing some outstanding football by creating a host of chances with Alan Pardew’s men trying to stay in the game.

Then against the run of play Palace equalised for a second time when McArthur scored his second header of the game after beating Lovren to a header from a right-wing cross.

It was amazing how Palace were still in the game after Liverpool’s dominant first half display, but the Reds did go back in front just before half-time when they scored from another corner-kick, this time it was Matip who headed in his Liverpool goal to give the visitors a 3-2 lead.

Palace started the second half better and had Liverpool on the back foot for some time and had a couple of strong claims for penalties during this spell but Andre Marriner waved them away.

Liverpool remained a threat on the break and Mane was unlucky not to score when sent clear only to see his effort saved by the foot of Mandanda.

The Reds put the game to bed with a fourth goal when Henderson’s defence splitting pass was superbly finished off with a clever chip over the Palace keeper by Firmino.

You could see the energy from the Palace team and supporters drain after Firmino’s goal as Liverpool managed the remaining minutes comfortably.

                                                       Verdict

Liverpool are playing some great attacking football at the moment and most teams are struggling to cope with their high tempo, energetic pace they play at combined with their movement that leaves defenders chasing shadows.

However, they keep conceding goals that allows teams to stay in the game, but most goals conceded are from individual mistakes and I don’t expect them to continue making them much longer, so I think Liverpool’s defensive record will improve because Lovren and Matip are forming a good partnership in the centre of defence with Clyne and Milner playing very solid at full-back.

My only concern defensively is the goalkeeping position with current number one Karius not convincing me that he is better than Mignolet at the moment. It is early days in his Liverpool career and hopefully time will prove that he will be an upgrade on Mignolet.

Liverpool are on a great run of form and they will take some stopping, they are genuine title contenders this season.