Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a surprise blow after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal meant Jurgen Klopp’s side were two points adrift of top spot, but Arsenal could open the gap up to three if they beat Aston Villa.
Struggling Palace started superbly and scored the only goal of the game after just 12 minutes, Eze tidily finishing off a flowing move down the left-hand side.
Here, Mail Sport‘s DOMINIC KING has rated the players…
Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a shock blow after they lost to Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side adrift of Manchester City and Arsenal
Mohamed Salah could not rescue the Reds after salvaging a point at Old Trafford a week ago
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker – Caught cold with the goal Palace scored but showed his outstanding qualities in the second half with a fabulous save from Mateta – 6
Conor Bradley – A revelation since he was introduced to the team but his afternoon ended prematurely, with injury forcing his substitution early in the second half – 6
Ibrahima Konate – His use of the ball wasn’t what it should be and Klopp let him on several times. Positioning for Palace’s goal not what it should have been – 5
Virgil van Dijk – Had Robertson to thank when a slip almost led to a second Palace goal. Not overly extended but not one of his best days, either – 6
Virgil van Dijk had Andy Robertson to thank when a slip almost led to a second Palace goal
Robertson was a one-man army at times and his energy to clear off the line was spectacular
Andy Robertson – A one-man army at times, his energy to get back and clear from his own goal line was spectacular. The pick of his side’s bunch – 7
Alexis Mac Allister – Worked hard but struggled to dictate anything in the centre of the pitch in one of his most disappointing outings in red so far – 5.5
Wataru Endo – Hasn’t looked the same since he missed the Sheffield United match with a knock and was withdrawn at the interval after struggling again – 5
Curtis Jones – Attitude could not be faulted but he will be haunted by two missed chances in the second half that would have changed the game – 5
Luis Diaz – Thought a flying volley in the first half had got Liverpool back into it but he was one of many to find Henderson an immovable object – 6.5
Darwin Nunez – One of those erratic afternoons when you think he is going to burst into life but ultimately fails to find a way through – 5
Another erratic afternoon for Darwin Nunez but he ultimately failed to find a way through
Mohamed Salah – Another who is missing his old sparkle and his performance was summed up when he was denied a tap in from close range – 5
Mohamed Salah is missing his old sparkle and he saw a clear-cut chance late on blocked
Subs
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Endo 46mins) – the spectacular early displays seem so far away at present – 5
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Bradley 50mins) – back from injury but looked rusty – 5
Cody Gakpo (for Diaz 67mins) – A couple of good balls into the area but not enough influence – 5
Diogo Jota (for Nunez 67mins) – usual prolific but squandered two great chances – 5
Harvey Elliott (for Jones 83mins)
Manager
Jurgen Klopp – Looked absolutely crestfallen in the final minutes as he knew a goal wasn’t coming and that a dream was dying – 5
Jurgen Klopp looked crestfallen, as though he knew his side’s title challenge was dying
CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-3)
Dean Henderson – A magnificent afternoon, best encapsulated by an incredible point-blank save to thwart Nunez – 8.5
Dean Henderson enjoyed a magnificent afternoon and made several eye-catching saves
Joachim Andersen was towering at the back for Palace and never let anything past him
Nathaniel Clyne – Back at one of his former clubs and back with a performance that showed why defending has always been so natural for him – 8
Joachim Andersen – Towering in the centre of his team’s defence, never letting anything past him and blocking everything that came his way – 8
Jefferson Lerma – Booked late on but that didn’t blot his day’s work, as he worked diligently to keep Salah at arm’s length – 7
Daniel Munoz – Covered miles up and down the flank and knew he had been in a battle with Robertson, one which he more than acquitted himself – 7
Adam Wharton – Taking the step up from the Championship in his stride, stood tall in the heart of the battle with Liverpool’s midfield three – 7
Will Hughes – Always been a lovely footballer, so elegant in possession and this was the case again, as he kept things ticking over – 7
Tyrick Mitchell – Brilliant cross provided the opening for Eze’s goal but an all-round display to show why Gareth Southgate always has him in his thoughts – 7.5
Michael Olise – So much to like about this forward, with his clever running and energy. Didn’t look happy when he came off – 7
There is so much to like about Michael Olise, who threatened with his running and energy
Jean-Phillipe Mateta – Relished going to war with Van Dijk and Konate and came up trumps. Deserved a goal for all he did and, really, should have had one – 8
Eberechi Eze – Delivered the moment that mattered, a calm and composed finish in front of The Kop to effectively end Liverpool’s title challenge – 7
Eberechi Eze (right) delivered the moment that mattered with a calm and composed finish
Subs
Jordan Ayew (for Olise 69mins) – maintained the pressing and pressure on Liverpool’s defence – 6
Jairo Riedewald (for Clyne 77mins)
Jeffrey Schlupp (for Eze 78mins)
Joel Ward (for Hughes 77mins)
Manager
Oliver Glasner – Tactics worked a treat and how he enjoyed the moment at the final whistle, roaring his delight and engulfing his coaches in glee – 8
Referee
Chris Kavanagh – Officials have been in Liverpool’s spotlight all year but there wasn’t anything they could pick fault in here – 7
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