Crystal Palace 0-2 Liverpool
It’s said winning games like this plays a big part in securing Premier League titles.
Perhaps then, SBOBET fans, this is why Premier League 2018 odds make Liverpool second favourites for the title behind reigning champions Manchester City.
Yes, there was an element of luck in this victory, but all trophy chasing sides need some luck and this was an impressive win for the Merseysiders.
Highlights of the game
Both managers, Roy Hodgson and Jurgen Klopp, named unchanged teams after their opening victories of the season: Palace at Fulham, Liverpool with a rout over West Ham.
The question was could Roy mastermind a shock win against the club who never really gave him a chance to succeed – he was dismissed in early 2011 after less than six months in charge.
In addition, Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke, never really given an opportunity by Klopp who didn’t think the Belgian could fit into his system, were facing their former employers.
Both sides had a boost before kick-off with Eagles’ talisman Wilfried Zaha signing a new deal – there was clear excitement among home fans every time he touched the ball – while Liverpool arrived in South London to the news their own hero Mo Salah had been named on a shortlist of three for the UEFA player of the Year award.
As expected Liverpool dominated possession against a well-drilled Palace side.
Salah went close with a chip after super work from Naby Keita, although moments later Andros Townsend took advantage of Keita losing possession and unleashed a shot which struck the crossbar – it would have been a superb goal.
The key moment arrived a minute before the break and it may well be a talking point in Premier League 2018 news in the days ahead.
An outstretched arm from Sakho sent Salah tumbling in the box and, whether the Egyptian went down too easily or not, it was clumsy from Sakho.
As the footballer of the year ignored the chants of ‘cheat’ from the home support, James Milner coolly converted the penalty.
It was nearly game over at the start of the second half but Salah, after being played through by Andrew Robertson, chipped over advancing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey but went too wide and Sadio Mane saw his shot bobble wide of the post.
Crystal Palace, aggrieved by the penalty decision, hit back and new Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson saved a free-kick from Australian midfielder Luka Milivojevic and then denied Benteke.
With just one goal separating the sides, Palace could not be ruled out but their chances ended with just over quarter of an hour remaining.
That was when young full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka brought down Salah on the edge of the box and referee Michael Oliver showed the red card.
Hennessey denied Mane a second as space opened up for the visitors and the Welshman then clawed away a Salah header.
Despite Zaha’s best efforts – the exciting young striker is one goal away from surpassing Chris Armstrong as the club’s all-time record Premier League goalscorer – the numerical disadvantage proved too much for Palace and Mane capped a 2-0 victory in stoppage time on the break with a masterful finish.
It was the Senegal striker’s sixth career goal against Palace and, after a run of three defeats in a row against Crystal Palace, Liverpool have now won five of their last six Premier League meetings.
For them, its two wins out of two which will only increase talk of a title tilt. It’s the prize the club and their fans crave most of all.
For Palace, defeat, but there will be no repeat of their relegation fears of last term with performances like this.
Key statistics
Palace have never won their opening home fixture of a Premier League season.
Milner has scored in 47 Premier League games and not finished on the losing side once (winning 38 and drawing 10).
Liverpool have scored 24 Premier League goals at Selhurst Park, more than any away side has scored.
The Reds have won five successive away games against Palace in all competitions, having failed to win any of their previous six at Selhurst Park.
Since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October 2015, Liverpool’s Premier League games have produced 342 goals, more than any other team in that period.
What’s next?
It’s Watford away next for Palace followed by a home match against Southampton on September 1.
Liverpool entertain Brighton this weekend and then travel to 2016 champions Leicester City.
Then it is the first international break of the new season.
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