Crystal Palace vs Liverpool 22/23

Updated: Aug 4, 2023

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all well.

On Saturday 25th February 2023 Crystal Palace hosted Liverpool at Selhurst Park. It was a 7.45pm kick off, for a Saturday we was pretty shocked to have such a late kick off and it’s safe to say it was absolutely freezing!

The visitors came into the game 8th in the Premier League table having had a rough campaign so far. Despite winning their last two league games 2-0, they came into this game off the back of a heavy 5-2 defeat at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League after going 2-0 up so would have had a confidence knock.

Palace had a lot of positives to bring into the game from the previous 1-1 draw away to Brentford, but the late goal would still be a contributing factor to their confidence levels.

Patrick Vieira named an unchanged 11 proving he was mostly happy with what he saw last week. Eberechi Eze remained on the bench despite scoring our only goal in the previous game, I’m not sure what’s happening with Eze at not being in the team but must be something us fans aren't seeing to be continuously left out of the team when he has so much talent.

In a game that lacked goals yet had countless chances Crystal Palace and Liverpool leave Selhurst Park sharing the points.

Coming into the game off the back of late heartbreak at Brentford just last weekend, Palace looked refreshed with a strong start to the game. From the start Liverpool looked shaky especially when playing around the back and leaked many mistakes. A loose backpass from Trent Alexander-Arnold allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta a chance to chip the keeper, who was the only man in his way of goal, his shot was weak and was blocked by Allison. Frustration rose throughout the game as Palace failed to capitalise on their chances.

At the other end Vicente Guaita was called to action to catch an outside of the box attempt from Diego Jota.

Liverpool tried to hit Palace on the counter attack from a corner but Mohammed Salah’s shot went wide of the post.

An evidential change from the last game was the work rate, every player in red and blue worked really hard off the ball and it paid off with how much possession they had.

Michael Olise delivered an inviting ball to the back post but it was just too far in front of Tyrick Mitchell to make any contacts.

The half was very open with neither team able to get a good grip on it, and both creating half chances. Liverpool was denied by the post from a free kick, Jota received a cross the face of goal pass but was only able to direct it onto the post from a tight angel. Palace had their own chance from a set piece, a great delivery in from Michael Olise met the head of Marc Guehi but the captain couldn’t direct the ball into the net and instead flew wide of the top corner.

Shortly after Olise‘s shot came close to the same top corner after a deflection but again just flew wide of the post.

Albert Sambi Lokonga had a very good first half dictating play and showing his quality on the ball. His partner in midfield Cheick Doucoure also had a good game!

Just before half time Jeffery Schlupp picked the pocket of Alexander-Arnold deep in his defensive area. The pass in to the box presented the Eagles best opportunity as it was met by Mateta who could only blaze it onto the crossbar! Mateta did not have the greatest game, his holdup play in the middle of the pitch was good, it’s just a shame he posed no threat in front of goal.

Palace would’ve been feeling as though they should have been ahead with the scores being level going into the break.

After the break the visitors came out strong, shortly after the break the same crossbar denied a Mohammed Salah inside the box effort which looked to be flying into the top corner.

Olise was causing real issues for the Liverpool team to deal with, and the reds started to become frustrated with four yellow cards being awarded to them in the second half alone.

Captain Marc Guehi had a really strong second half not putting a foot wrong securing the back line; he was my MOTM.

As the half progressed it was very end to end with both teams having chances, last week’s result was still fresh in everyone’s head so the ending was extremely nervy!

With that being said Liverpool came close to breaking the deadlock, Salah slid Cody Gakpo in behind for the last chance of the game, the presence of Guaita did enough to see him send his shot well wide of the post ending the game 0-0.

Coming away with two draws against Liverpool this season is definitely something to be proud of and there’s a lot of positives they can take from this game!