Alisson Becker shines despite Liverpool defeat at Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Crystal Palace 2 – 1 Liverpool – PL Man of the Match

Alisson Becker

Liverpool FC

Despite ending up on the losing side, Liverpool’s standout performer under the Selhurst Park sun was once again their world-class goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. Without the Brazilian’s brilliance, this could have been a far heavier defeat for the league leaders, as Crystal Palace carved out numerous high-quality chances that left the Reds’ defensive line exposed.

The home side started on the front foot, pressing Liverpool into mistakes and forcing errors from an unusually ragged midfield and back line. Alisson was called upon almost immediately, producing a superb reaction save to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta from close range. That set the tone for his afternoon. The French striker must have felt cursed, as every time he looked certain to score, Liverpool’s number one somehow got himself in the way.

Even after the opener was conceded from a set piece, Alisson remained the calming influence that kept his team alive. His positioning, reflexes, and decision-making were impeccable, often leaving Palace forwards shaking their heads in disbelief. It was a performance that underlined why he is consistently regarded as the best goalkeeper in world football.

In the second half, Liverpool pushed for the equaliser and briefly found themselves level through Federico Chiesa’s impact from the bench. Yet at the other end, Alisson was still required to intervene on several occasions. A stunning low stop from Mateta was followed by another sprawling save to deny a curling effort from distance. Each time the Reds’ outfield players faltered, the Brazilian stood tall.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool Premier League 27/09/2025. Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta 14 gets the better of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate 5 in the air during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park, London, England on 27 September 2025. London Selhurst Park Greater London England Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com , Copyright: xStephenxFlynnx PSI-22929-0041

Ultimately, there was nothing he could do about the stoppage-time winner. Palace capitalised on Liverpool’s fatigue and poor structure, and for once Alisson was powerless to prevent the decisive moment. Still, his display was the reason the game remained competitive for so long, and why the Reds were even in a position to try and salvage something late on.

It may be scant consolation on a disappointing afternoon, but Alisson’s heroics once again reminded supporters of his extraordinary value. In a side full of attacking stars and creative midfielders, it is the Brazilian goalkeeper who continues to deliver match-defining contributions — even when his teammates cannot rise to the same level.

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Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Crystal Palace 1 – 2 Liverpool