Crystal Palace Beat Liverpool 2-1 as Nketiah Hits Dramatic Late Winner | OneFootball

Nketiah Scores Late as Crystal Palace Beat Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park

Palace Break Leaders’ Winning Run

Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner handed Crystal Palace a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Selhurst Park, halting the champions’ perfect start to the season. In a contest full of intensity, Palace’s energy and invention were finally rewarded when Nketiah struck at the far post in the seventh minute of added time, lifting Oliver Glasner’s side to second in the Premier League table.

Palace had deservedly taken the lead early through Ismaila Sarr, whose bundled finish in the ninth minute reflected their dominance in the opening period. Despite wave after wave of pressure, their inability to convert further chances seemed costly when substitute Federico Chiesa snatched an equaliser three minutes from time. But Nketiah’s decisive finish ensured Palace extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 matches and provided a reminder of their growing stature under Glasner.

Palace’s First-Half Supremacy

The first 45 minutes belonged to Palace. Sarr’s opener, scrambled home after Liverpool failed to deal with a corner, was just one highlight of their attacking verve. The hosts created chances almost at will, tormenting a disorganised Liverpool defence that struggled to keep shape.

Alisson was the only barrier preventing Liverpool from being swept away before the interval. The Brazilian goalkeeper made a string of outstanding saves, denying Yeremy Pino, Daniel Munoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace also struck the woodwork, Mateta’s curling effort capping a flowing team move that deserved more than the echo of the post.

Liverpool had no answer to Palace’s press or their quick transitions. The champions looked vulnerable whenever Palace pushed bodies forward, their defence repeatedly stretched and exposed.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Fight Back but Falter

Arne Slot’s side, true to recent habit, improved after the break. Alexander Isak, making his full Premier League debut for Liverpool, spurned a golden chance when through on goal, shooting wide with only Dean Henderson to beat. The Palace goalkeeper proved a formidable presence, tipping Ryan Gravenberch’s thunderous strike onto the post and later thwarting Florian Wirtz from point-blank range.

For much of the second half, Liverpool pushed forward but with a blunt edge. Henderson stood firm, his concentration unwavering. Palace, by contrast, retained their attacking threat on the counter, stretching the game whenever the opportunity arose.

When Chiesa tapped in late on, it appeared Liverpool had rescued a point they scarcely deserved. VAR confirmed Gravenberch had stayed onside in the build-up, allowing the Italian’s close-range finish to stand.

Nketiah Delivers the Final Word

Selhurst Park erupted in the seventh minute of added time. Nketiah, alive to the moment as Palace surged forward one final time, slid in at the far post to bury the winner and settle an unforgettable contest.

Palace’s performance was a statement. They outplayed the champions for long periods, matched their physicality, and displayed the confidence of a side now comfortable in the Premier League’s upper reaches. Glasner’s unbeaten run continues, and his players celebrated a victory that reflects their evolution as contenders for European places.

Liverpool, meanwhile, face questions about defensive lapses that cannot be masked by late goals or dramatic recoveries. Their aura of inevitability in tight contests was reversed at Selhurst Park, and on this occasion, it was Palace who delivered the decisive late blow.