Three things Klopp got right in Crystal Palace win – but one thing he got wrong
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Liverpool secured back to back Premier League victories with a comfortable 3-0 win against Crystal Palace.
It is the second time of the season Jurgen Klopp’s side have recorded consecutive victories in the League this season.
Sadio Mane put the Reds on their way by reacting quickest to Vicente Guaita’s save from Mohamed Salah, to put Liverpool ahead from close range.
Salah then turned provider in the second-half, instinctively reacting to Virgil Van Dijk's header to volley home from close range in the 78th minute.
And the Reds made sure of the victory late on when Naby Keita, who replaced Thiago Alcantara in the second half, added a third one minute from time.
Daily Star Sport takes a look at three things Liverpool got right and one thing they got wrong against Palace…
Konate impresses on his Liverpool debut
Reds fans have been eager to see their only signing of the summer make his first competitive start at Anfield.
The Frenchman partnered Virgil Van Dijk for his first Premier League appearance since signing for the Reds for £36m this summer.
And it was a tough challenge for the Frenchman, who was often pipped against the powerful Christian Benteke.
But, the 22-year-old defender was more than equal to the challenge, shackling Benteke and covering for James Milner when Zaha drifted in behind him.
It was a convincing and strong debut for the defender, who will surely become an enormous player for The Reds this season.
Henderson's Liverpool return
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Liverpool had to ride out an early yellow storm as Crystal Palace came flying out of the blocks at the beginning.
But the Reds were able to wrestle the control from the visitor’s hands, and much of that was to do with the incredible passing and recovering from their midfield.
And the reinstating of Jordan Henderson back to the starting eleven, alongside Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho was pivotal.
The Liverpool captain’s ability to read the game, intercept, and cut out counter attacks helped pen Palace into their own penalty area.
The midfield three appear to be building a rock-solid understanding, and their efforts resulted in Liverpool commanding 92% of the possession in the 34th minute.
While they will not record the most goals and assists, they will ensure the Reds almost always have most of the ball.
Their outstanding understanding and command of the game, resulted in the Liverpool midfield overwhelming Palace’s midfield.
Milner right-back rescue
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Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out of the contest due to illness, unrelated to Coronavirus.
With Liverpool lacking alternative options at right-back, Klopp turned to Milner to plug the whole left by the England star.
Despite a shaky start which saw Zaha sneak in behind the 35-year-old, before hitting the post; Milner used his experience and defensive nous to keep out Palace’s dynamic wingers.
Milner also provided Liverpool with the impeccable crossing and service from the right-hand side normally conjured up by Alexander-Arnold.
Once again, he proved why he is Klopp’s Mr Reliable.
Jota's day to forget
Jota has been excellent since signing for Liverpool from Wolves.
The £41m man started the season in mercurial form hammering two goals in the first two games.
However, he did not enjoy his best day in front of goal for the club.
A glorious chance to put Liverpool ahead in the first half was completely spooned by the Portuguese star.
Thiago Alcantara ghosted into the box and saw a powerful header impressively saved by Vincente Guaita.
Jota was in the perfect position three yards from goal with Guaita scrambling to get back to his feet on the floor, but the winger misjudged the bounce and ballooned his effort over the bar.
A player of his quality should have tucked away an opportunity like that without even realising, but he still somehow managed to miss.
The likes of Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all on the bench for Klopp’s side.
While starting any of those three ahead of Jota would have been a bold move, there is certainly an argument that he should have been taken off for one of those much earlier than he was.
- Premier League
- Liverpool FC
- Jurgen Klopp
- Crystal Palace FC
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