Florian Wirtz opened his Premier League account this season as Liverpool ended a two-match losing streak with a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday. The German midfielder’s goal came in the 54th minute after a tactical switch that saw the Reds rearrange their wide attacking positions, sparking the visitors’ second of the match and setting them on course for victory.
Liverpool arrived at Selhurst Park after defeats to Arsenal and Fenerbahce, prompting manager Andoni Iraola to make five changes to the starting lineup. Wirtz returned to the attack alongside Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, while Dominik Szoboszlai held his midfield spot. The visitors began strongly, with Alexis Mac Allister testing Dean Henderson inside the opening minute and narrowly missing a header soon after.
Crystal Palace gradually found their rhythm, with Yeremy Pino hitting the crossbar and Jorgen Strand Larsen briefly putting the ball in the net before being flagged offside. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was called into action multiple times, denying Pino and others as Palace pressed for an equaliser.
The breakthrough came on 40 minutes when Szoboszlai delivered a wide free kick to Mac Allister, who headed Liverpool into the lead. Alisson made further saves before half-time to maintain the advantage.
At the restart, Liverpool adjusted their wide players’ positioning, a move that paid dividends in the 54th minute. Bradley Barcola assisted Wirtz, who finished past Henderson to double the lead. That marked the German’s first Premier League goal this season.
Crystal Palace continued to attack, with Pino testing Alisson again following a defensive error by Jeremy Jacquet. The Liverpool keeper’s performance earned him a 9 out of 10 rating, reflecting his crucial role in keeping Palace at bay.
In the 90th minute, Isak added a third for Liverpool, capitalising on a counterattack after an assist from Wirtz. The Swedish striker’s goal was his eighth of the campaign and effectively secured the result after missing a chance earlier in the game.
Crystal Palace did not give up. In stoppage time, they earned a penalty when Milos Kerkez fouled Eddie Nketiah while contesting a header. Nketiah stepped up to convert from the spot in the fifth minute of added time, denying Liverpool a clean sheet.
The win ended Liverpool’s recent run of defeats and provided a positive note before the international break. Iraola’s side will host Manchester United next, while Crystal Palace will aim to improve their Premier League standing after another loss.
Player ratings reflected the match’s flow. Liverpool’s Alisson, Mac Allister, and Wirtz all earned 9s for their performances. Isak received an 8, while Szoboszlai was rated 7. Among the visitors’ defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet both scored 7s. On the Palace side, Tyrick Mitchell was the highest-rated with a 7, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson earned a 6.
The victory marked a shift in momentum for Liverpool, who showed greater efficiency in front of goal and resilience in defence, highlighted by Alisson’s saves, that proved decisive against a Palace side creating chances but unable to convert until the late penalty.
According to Yahoo Sports.
