Crystal Palace vs Liverpool ended in a 3-1 victory for the visitors at Selhurst Park, extending Palace’s losing run in the Premier League to four matches and increasing the pressure on head coach Pierre Sage. Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak found the net for Liverpool, while Eddie Nketiah scored a late penalty for the hosts.

Palace created enough opportunities to trouble Liverpool but repeatedly failed to convert them, with Alisson Becker producing six saves to keep his side ahead. The result moved Liverpool up to fourth in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, while Palace remained bottom with only seven points from their opening 10 matches under Sage.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Mac Allister breaks the deadlock

The opening stages were relatively quiet, with Liverpool enjoying possession but struggling to turn their control into clear goalscoring opportunities. Palace, meanwhile, looked dangerous when they managed to move forward, although their finishing ultimately proved costly.

The hosts came close to taking the lead when Yeremy Pino struck the crossbar with a close-range effort. It was an important warning for Liverpool, whose defensive organisation was tested by Palace’s attacking movements.

Palace also thought they had scored before the interval when Jorgen Strand Larsen found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The decision kept the scores level, although the hosts had reason to believe they could have gone into half-time ahead.

Instead, Liverpool found the breakthrough in the 40th minute through Mac Allister. The visitors worked a neat free-kick routine that created the opportunity for the Argentine midfielder to rise and direct a fine header beyond the Palace goalkeeper.

It was a significant moment in a match where Liverpool had struggled to create much from open play. Mac Allister’s finish gave them the advantage and changed the atmosphere inside Selhurst Park.

Wirtz and Isak put Liverpool in control

Liverpool returned for the second half with a greater sense of purpose and doubled their advantage in the 54th minute. Florian Wirtz produced a tidy finish after Bradley Barcola picked him out with an accurate pass.

For Wirtz, the goal was particularly notable because it marked his first Premier League strike since scoring against Crystal Palace in April. The German midfielder had been relatively quiet for much of the contest, but his contribution gave Liverpool a valuable cushion.

Palace attempted to respond, but Liverpool remained dangerous whenever they found space to attack. The hosts continued to create opportunities, yet their inability to beat Alisson meant they could not establish the momentum needed to get back into the game.

Alexander Isak then put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute. After a relatively quiet afternoon, the Swedish striker came alive late in the contest and calmly finished a move involving Wirtz to score Liverpool’s third.

It was Isak’s seventh league goal of the season and another important contribution for a Liverpool side looking to build consistency after their disappointing European defeat against Fenerbahce in midweek.

Nketiah did manage to give the home supporters something to celebrate in stoppage time. Milos Kerkez was penalised for a foul inside the penalty area, allowing the Palace forward to convert from the spot in the 95th minute. However, the goal came too late to change the outcome.

Palace left frustrated as pressure mounts on Sage

For Palace, the defeat will be particularly frustrating because their performance offered opportunities to collect points. They forced Alisson into six saves, struck the crossbar and had a first-half goal ruled out for offside.

However, their failure to take advantage of those moments continued a worrying pattern. Palace have now suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats and remain at the bottom of the table with just seven points from 30 under Sage.

The manager inherited a difficult responsibility after succeeding Oliver Glasner, who had delivered the FA Cup and Conference League titles. Replacing a manager who achieved such success was always going to be challenging, but few would have expected Palace to find themselves in this position.

Their previous defeat against Tottenham, where they spent nearly 80 minutes with 10 players following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s red card, had already increased the pressure. Another loss, despite creating several chances, leaves Sage facing further questions about his future.

The November international break now provides an opportunity for reflection, but it also means Palace must wait before attempting to end their poor run. Their next scheduled match is against Coventry City on 21 November, and uncertainty remains over who will lead the team into that fixture.

Liverpool continue impressive away form

Liverpool will be pleased with the three points, particularly after their disappointing European performance in midweek. The victory extended their winning run away from Merseyside to four consecutive matches and maintained their unbeaten record on the road this season.

Their home form has been less convincing, with both of their league defeats coming at Anfield. However, their ability to collect points away from home has helped keep them within reach of the leading positions.

There are still areas for improvement. Alisson was arguably Liverpool’s most important player at Selhurst Park, and the number of opportunities Palace created will concern the coaching staff. Against a more clinical opponent, those defensive weaknesses could prove more expensive.

Nevertheless, Liverpool have another victory to take into the November international break. Sitting fourth and four points behind second-placed Brighton, they remain involved in the battle near the top of the table.

For Palace, the immediate concern is ending their losing run and finding a way to turn promising attacking moments into results. For Liverpool, the challenge is to combine their strong away performances with greater consistency across the season.