Sometimes three points are worth considerably more than just their value in the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was one of those occasions.
After two disappointing defeats in the space of a few days against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe, Andoni Iraola’s side desperately needed a response.
Another poor result would have increased the pressure, brought more questions about the manager and left supporters wondering where the next victory was coming from.
Thankfully, Liverpool delivered when it mattered.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak secured an important away win and, perhaps just as importantly, restored some confidence.
The pressure was building after two defeats
Losing 1-0 at home to Arsenal was frustrating enough, particularly given the controversy surrounding the penalty appeal for Alexander Isak.
But the defeat in Istanbul against Fenerbahçe was even more concerning.
Liverpool scored twice through Trey Nyoni and Isak, yet somehow managed to concede three goals from set-pieces and leave Turkey empty-handed.
That was a sobering experience.
There were questions about the team’s organisation, concentration, squad depth and the ability to see out matches.
I have been saying that Liverpool are a work in progress under Iraola and that supporters need to be patient. However, patience doesn’t mean accepting poor performances without demanding improvement.
The players had to take responsibility, and today’s match was an opportunity to show that they understood what was expected.
A response when Liverpool needed it most
Selhurst Park is never an easy place to visit, and Palace were certainly capable of making life uncomfortable.
Liverpool weren’t perfect, particularly during the first half, but there was a greater sense of purpose about their attacking play.
Mac Allister’s header just before half-time was crucial. It gave Liverpool the lead at exactly the right moment and allowed them to approach the second half with greater confidence.
Wirtz then doubled the advantage with his first Premier League goal of the season, before Isak added a third late on.
Those goals were important individually, but collectively they showed what this Liverpool attack can produce when the players combine with greater quality.
There was also a much-needed contribution from Wirtz, who has faced criticism recently. Getting that first league goal should do his confidence the world of good.
And Isak continues to show why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.
Iraola deserves backing – but he needs results too
I remain convinced that Andoni Iraola is the right man to take Liverpool forward.
However, I have never suggested that he should be immune from criticism.
He has inherited a squad with problems that won’t disappear overnight, and I believe Liverpool are further away from challenging consistently than some supporters would like to admit.
There is work to do in midfield, improvements needed defensively and questions about the depth of certain positions.
But changing managers every time results become difficult isn’t the answer.
I wanted Arne Slot removed because I believed the direction of the team had become a problem. I don’t want Liverpool making the same mistake by judging Iraola after a difficult spell while he is trying to rebuild.
What I do want is progress, better performances and players showing the commitment required to wear that shirt.
Today’s victory was a step in the right direction.
Three points could give Liverpool some momentum
The most important thing now is making sure this isn’t just a one-off response.
Liverpool cannot afford to follow a good result with another disappointing performance. Consistency is what separates successful teams from those who spend the season chasing their own mistakes.
I would also like to see Iraola continue trusting younger players such as Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha. They offer energy and enthusiasm, and the manager needs to build a squad where places are earned rather than guaranteed.
There are still plenty of questions to answer, but winning away from home after two defeats is a much better starting point than another week of frustration.
My verdict: This was more than just three points
I’m delighted with today’s result.
Not because it suddenly makes Liverpool title contenders, or because all the problems have disappeared, but because the players showed the character needed after a difficult week.
Two defeats could easily have become three, and the pressure surrounding Iraola would have increased considerably.
Instead, Liverpool have responded with a 3-1 victory, three different goalscorers and some encouraging attacking performances.
We need to keep our feet on the ground. This squad still needs strengthening, and Iraola needs time to build the team he wants.
But today’s result matters.
Liverpool needed a win, Iraola needed a response and the supporters needed something to smile about. We got all three.
Now let’s build on it.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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