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Slot Reflects on Liverpool’s Set-Piece Struggles in Palace Defeat

Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an abrupt halt at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace secured a dramatic 2-1 victory courtesy of Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time strike. For Arne Slot, this was not just a first league defeat in charge but also a reminder of the frailties that remain within his side.

Palace Capitalise on Early Pressure

From the outset, Palace imposed themselves. Their intensity was rewarded when Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring inside nine minutes, punishing hesitant Liverpool defending. The hosts created multiple opportunities in the first half, with Alisson Becker forced into a string of saves to prevent the game from slipping away before the interval.

Liverpool, by contrast, struggled to find rhythm. Their attacking play was stifled, passes often misplaced, and the high press comfortably absorbed by a well-drilled Palace unit. The difference in urgency between the two sides was stark, and it was no surprise that Palace entered the break in control.

Chiesa’s Equaliser Offers Hope

Slot’s changes after half-time provided Liverpool with more bite in attack. Federico Chiesa, introduced from the bench, levelled matters with just three minutes of normal time remaining. It appeared to be another late intervention from a side that has made a habit of dramatic finishes in recent years.

Yet, as the clock ticked deep into added time, Liverpool faltered again. A long throw-in was not properly defended, and Nketiah was afforded the freedom of the back post to turn in the decisive goal. The late blow left Slot visibly frustrated, not least because the concession was avoidable.

Slot’s Post-Match Reflections

Addressing the media afterwards, Slot was candid in his assessment:

The Dutchman noted that Liverpool had enough attacking players on the pitch to chase a result, but in those final seconds discipline was lacking. He accepted that the additional time played was justified, owing to substitutions, and refused to use the clock as an excuse.

Concerns Over Set-Piece Vulnerability

This was not an isolated case. Both goals Liverpool conceded at Selhurst Park came from set-pieces, echoing the pattern from last month’s 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, where two goals were also shipped from dead-ball situations.

Slot, however, resisted the notion that a set-piece issue is emerging. He argued that while Palace posed multiple threats, including counters and direct balls in behind, Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings extended beyond restarts alone.

For Liverpool, this defeat may serve as a reality check. Slot has built early momentum since arriving at Anfield, yet the loss underlined areas requiring immediate attention. Defensive focus, particularly in high-pressure moments, will be crucial if Liverpool are to remain credible contenders across the season.