Liverpool Secure Sixth Successive Win Despite Alisson Injury Setback.
Liverpool maintained their impressive early-season form with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, extending their winning streak to six matches across all competitions. Diogo Jota’s first-half goal proved decisive, but the win came at a cost as goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury.
The league leaders continued their unbeaten Premier League run, with Jota capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home Cody Gakpo’s cross in the 34th minute. However, the match took a worrying turn for Liverpool when Alisson, who had been a key figure throughout, pulled up with a hamstring issue while clearing the ball late in the game. He was replaced by Vitezslav Jaros, making his senior debut for the club, for the final 10 minutes.
Liverpool have been in fine form, suffering just one defeat in the Premier League so far this season, while Crystal Palace remain winless, with this loss marking their fourth defeat in seven matches.
The Eagles did show some early promise, with Eddie Nketiah having an early goal disallowed for offside, and Ismaila Sarr forcing Alisson into a sharp save just before half-time. Yet, despite a few moments of pressure, Palace struggled to break through Liverpool’s defence for much of the match.
Liverpool, for their part, failed to find a second goal to put the game out of reach, which allowed Palace to remain within touching distance. The hosts rallied in the second half, with Alisson twice coming to his side’s rescue. First, he saved Nketiah’s effort after the visitors were caught in possession, and later he denied Eberechi Eze, keeping the clean sheet intact.
The late injury to Alisson is a cause for concern for Arne Slot’s side, but Jaros, the young Czech goalkeeper, was relatively untroubled after coming on. Palace’s best chance to equalise fell to Eze, but his shot was comfortably saved by the debutant, sealing Liverpool’s win.
Liverpool’s victory keeps them at the top of the Premier League standings, while Crystal Palace’s winless streak continues, leaving them in need of a turnaround as the season progresses.
Speaking after the match, Slot expressed concern over Alisson’s injury but praised his side’s resilience. “We’ll assess Alisson’s condition, but it doesn’t look great at the moment. However, I’m proud of how we managed the game, especially when things got tough towards the end.”
Liverpool will hope to continue their fine form after the international break, while Palace remain in search of their first victory of the season.