The EPL produced shocking results on Saturday, with the game between Liverpool and Crystal Palace one of the surprising results of matchday six, Softfootball can report.
Crystal Palace produced one of the standout performances of the Premier League season so far, stunning reigning champions Liverpool with a dramatic 2–1 victory at Selhurst Park with Eddie Nketiah the unsung hero for the Eagles.
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The result ensured Palace remain the only unbeaten side in the league after six matches and 18 in total, while Liverpool’s perfect start to their title defence came to an abrupt end in south London.
Just as another top club in the EPL, Chelsea suffered a heavy blow, Liverpool was also crushed like a ripe grape ready for the winery.
Arne Slot will have to take special study in beating Crystal Palace, who had humiliated the manager in three separate occasions in the last one year. Before Saturday’s defeat, Crystal Palace had earlier denied Liverpool a Community Shield trophy before halting their unbeaten run.
Just as it was in their first meeting this season last August, the match began explosively, with Palace capitalising on their early momentum.
Just moments into the game, Ismaila Sarr found space and clinically dispatched the opening goal, sending Selhurst Park into raptures in the ninth minute. Liverpool, despite enjoying an overwhelming 72% share of possession, struggled to impose itself in the final third. Their play was neat but lacked penetration, leaving Oliver Glasner’s men the more threatening side whenever they broke forward. The first half ended with Palace firmly in control of the contest, although their wastefulness in front of goal meant Liverpool remained within touching distance.
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In the second half, Liverpool manager Arne Slot introduced Cody Gakpo in an effort to increase attacking fluency, and the change brought about a noticeable improvement. The visitors began to pin Palace back, with wave after wave of attacks forcing the hosts to defend deep. Newcastle summer signing Alexander Isak, leading the line for Liverpool after Ekitike was ruled out of playing due to a red card he received against Southampton this week.
Palace, however, continued to pose a threat on the counter, and their persistence was eventually rewarded. Yet just when it seemed they would cling on, Liverpool clawed their way back into the game. Substitute Federico Chiesa slotted home a composed equaliser in the 87th minute. However, three minutes earlier, Slot brought in Rio Ngumoha, who had just signed a professional contract on Friday for Liverpool, substituting Isak.
Watch below Palace’s players tunnel session after the game as shown on their official X handle:
But the final twist belonged to Palace. Deep into stoppage time, captain Marc Guehi flicked on a header from a set piece, finding substitute Eddie Nketiah lurking at the back post.
For a moment, VAR intervention threatened to spoil Palace’s party, checking for potential infringements. But when the goal was confirmed, the euphoria returned, cementing a famous victory, their first home league win against Liverpool since 2014.
