Liverpool won 3-0 over Crystal Palace in the Premier League continued at Anfield Stadium, Saturday (18/9). This victory also marks the sweet debut of Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool kept Joel Matip on the bench. Instead, the Reds gave Ibrahima Konate an official debut. Konate was paired with Virgil van Dijk as a central defender duo from the first minute. As a result, the 22-year-old French player performed brilliantly because he successfully resisted the visitors’ attacks driven by Christian Benteke.
Three of Liverpool’s winning goals were each created by Sadio Mane at the end of the first half and Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita in the second half.
The visitors kicked off in the early minutes. Twice the ball hit the post and the Liverpool crossbar. Wilfried Zaha’s chance in the second minute almost led to Alisson Becker’s own goal if the ball didn’t hit the post. Not long after, it was Christian Benteke’s header that hit the bar.
Liverpool’s great opportunity only came in the 16th minute through Jordan Henderson who could still be secured by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
Palace appearance is quite troublesome for the host. The combination of Jordan Ayew and Benteke made Virgil Van Dijk et al always be vigilant.
In the 38th minute, Liverpool had a double chance in seconds. Thiago’s header utilizes Henderson’s pass which was pushed over by Guaita. The wild ball was then struck by Jota, but the Portuguese player’s kick sent the ball flying.
Liverpool lead 1-0 in the 43rd minute. Sadio Mane scored with the use of the ball rebound. The ball which was headed by Salah from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner could be pushed over by Guaita. Mane did not waste the opportunity by firing a hard shot from near the goal.
Palace were able to maintain their performance as in the first half, but Liverpool have also found the right rhythm to face the Eagles.
The Reds doubled their lead in the 78th minute through Salah. Tsimikas corner kick again became the start of Liverpool’s goal. Tsimikas’ pass was headed by Virgil Van Dijk. The ball went to Salah and the Egyptian scored the goal.
A minute before normal time ended, Naby Keita added Liverpool’s goal. Keita fired a volley from outside the penalty box which could not be secured by Guaita. Previously Guaita punched the ball to anticipate a corner kick.
Thanks to this result, Liverpool temporarily has the right to top the standings with 13 points. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace is ranked 13th with 5 points.
