Liverpool player ratings vs Crystal Palace: 'unexpected' 8/10 but 'subdued' 5/10 in victory

Liverpool will head into the international break top of the Premier League as they earned a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Diogo Jota’s early finish settled matters at Selhurst Park and while the Reds had chances to make their triumph more emphatic, they recorded a sixth successive win in all competitions - and sit at the summit of the table for at least another two weeks.

Palace had the ball in the back of the net after just 22 seconds through Eddie Nketiah, although he had strayed well offside. And just nine minutes later, Liverpool took the lead through Jota. Cody Gakpo fired in a cross and the Portugal international got across the Eagles defence to finish.

Liverpool continued to monopolise possession and in the 29th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a good save out of Palace keeper Dean Henderson before Jota dragged an effort wide when teed-up by Ryan Gravenberch. The home side did fire a warning shot in stoppage-time, though, when Reds keeper Alisson Becker made a fine stop from Nketiah.

The second half proved more open and Liverpool would have been disappointed they didn’t double their advantage as Salah missed a good opportunity when set free by Virgil van Dijk then Jota nodded wide from a free-kick.

Alisson then came to Arne Slot’s side’s rescue by making two decent stops before he was forced off with a hamstring injury. That resulted in Vitezslav Jaros being handed a debut from the bench and he did well to keep out an Eberechi Eze shot.

Liverpool then closed the game out comfortably as Slot made it nine wins in his opening 10 games after taking over as head coach. Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.

Alisson Becker - 7

A passenger for much of the first half before making a big save in stoppage-time. Made a couple of good stops after the break but then forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6

Got forward well and provided an outlet as well as stinging the palm of Henderson. Had to do his share of defending after the break.

Ibrahima Konate - 7

Eased through the first half for the most part. Similiar in the second half.

Virgil van Dijk - 7

Put under pressure on the ball but handled it well in the first half. Did well after the break and played a superb pass for Salah’s chance, although survived a penalty appeal when he appeared to have grabbed Palace’s Marc Guehi during a corner.

Kostas Tsimikas - 7

Played a fine through ball in the build-up to the opening goal and defended well in the first half. Put under more pressure defensively after the break and was subbed in the 78th minute.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7

Dictated play and should have had an assist when his cross teed-up Jota.

Alexis Mac Allister - 5

Should have gone for goal when he dummied a Salah cross and not as involved as he might have liked in the first half. Subbed at the break.

Curtis Jones - 6

Got warned about consistent fouling by the referee but kept the ball well in the first half. Played deeper in the second period.

Mo Salah - 5

Limited to goalscoring chances in the first half and couldn’t quite impact the game. Subdued after the break and seemed caught in two minds with his goalscoring chance before being subbed in the 72nd minute.

Diogo Jota - 7

Took his goal superbly as he darted in front of the Palace defence. Movement caused issues but should have double the advantage when he had a chance put on a plate by Gravenberch. Then should have put the Reds clear after the break. Not as clinical as usual but was the match-winner.

Cody Gakpo - 7

Showed great acceleration to get away from his marker and assist Jota’s opener. Impressed getting up and down the flank after the break.

Sub 1 - Dominik Szoboszlai - 6

Added more energy and had one effort saved.

Sub 2 - Luis Diaz - 6

Helped get Liverpool up the pitch.

Sub 3 - Vitezslav Jaros - 8

Did really well in an unexpected debut, reading an Eze shot and then racing off his line in the closing stages.

Sub 4 - Andy Robertson - 6

Ensured Liverpool saw the game out.