Crystal Palace Edge Liverpool in Selhurst Park Thriller | OneFootball

Nketiah Strikes Late

Crystal Palace produced a dramatic late winner to stun Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park, with substitute Eddie Nketiah delivering the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. The forward’s close-range finish capped an intense contest where both sides showed flashes of quality, but it was Oliver Glasner’s side who emerged victorious.

Nketiah Delivers in Crucial Moment

Introduced from the bench in the 75th minute, Nketiah had already made his presence felt with energetic runs and a yellow card challenge before writing his name into the story of the match. In the seventh minute of added time, Marc Guehi’s improvised header from a long throw found its way into the six-yard area.

Nketiah reacted quickest, smashing home with ruthless composure to secure three points for Palace. The forward’s intervention not only lifted the south London crowd to its feet but also underlined his value as a reliable impact substitute in high-pressure moments.

Alisson Keeps Liverpool in Contention

Liverpool may feel aggrieved not to have left with more, but their performance in front of goal fell short. If not for Alisson, the scoreline could have been decided much earlier. The Brazilian goalkeeper produced a string of vital saves across both halves, notably denying Daniel Muñoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta in one-on-one situations.

In total, Alisson made at least three clear goal-saving interventions before the break, ensuring that Arne Slot’s side remained in the contest despite Palace’s dominance in chances. Even when the visitors briefly equalised through Federico Chiesa late on, Alisson was the player keeping Liverpool afloat in a match where their defensive organisation wavered.

Crystal Palace Showcase Resilience

Palace’s opening goal came inside the first ten minutes when Ismaila Sarr reacted sharply to finish from close range after a corner caused chaos in the Liverpool defence. That early strike set the tone, with Palace consistently looking more dangerous in transition while their opponents monopolised possession without penetration.

Liverpool equalised in the 87th minute through Chiesa, who converted after Chris Richards’ header found him unmarked. Yet the hosts refused to settle for a point. Glasner’s substitutions, including Jefferson Lerma and Nketiah, ensured Palace retained energy and belief in the closing stages. That persistence paid off spectacularly with Nketiah’s last-gasp winner.

Implications for Both Sides

For Crystal Palace, this victory represents more than three points. It is a statement result against the reigning champions, extending their impressive home form and reinforcing Glasner’s growing reputation for tactical astuteness. The Eagles’ ability to combine defensive organisation with decisive attacking play will only fuel belief that they can push higher up the table.

Liverpool, meanwhile, face questions. Despite enjoying over 70% possession, their finishing and defensive concentration deserted them at key moments. Alisson’s heroics spared them from heavier defeat, but Slot’s side will need sharper execution in the attacking third if they are to maintain momentum in the title race.