LIVERPOOL — Arne Slot’s Liverpool moved back into the Premier League’s top four on Saturday afternoon, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield. On a day of high drama that saw a controversial VAR reversal and a worrying injury to Mohamed Salah, the Reds demonstrated clinical efficiency to overcome a spirited Eagles side and leapfrog Aston Villa in the table.
The match began with high tension as Liverpool were initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Salah, only for the decision to be overturned following a lengthy VAR review. However, the breakthrough eventually came in the 35th minute when Alexander Isak controlled a brilliant Alexis Mac Allister assist to fire home his first Premier League goal at Anfield.
The lead was doubled just five minutes later. A lightning-fast counter-attack saw Curtis Jones release Andrew Robertson, who slotted past Dean Henderson to give the hosts a -2-0 cushion at the break.
Crystal Palace struck back in the 71st minute through Daniel Muñoz, who chipped the ball over an injured Freddie Woodman to set up a nervous finale. But the Reds held firm, and in the sixth minute of stoppage time, German star Florian Wirtz smashed a half-volley off the woodwork and in to seal all three points.
