Liverpool's Golden Run Crumbles: Four Critical Lessons From a Crushing Defeat
Liverpool suffered their maiden loss of the campaign as Eddie Nketiah's crucial late strike secured Crystal Palace a well-earned 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.
The defending Premier League titleholders were thoroughly outplayed throughout the opening period, consistently torn apart by their opponents and dependent on Alisson's exceptional performance to remain competitive. Palace should have established a commanding lead by halftime, yet only Ismaïla Sarr managed to convert before the interval.
The Reds displayed much greater intensity following the break and seemed to have salvaged a point through Federico Chiesa's 87th-minute equalizer, but Nketiah had different plans as he slotted past Alisson in stoppage time to shatter Liverpool's unblemished start.
Here are four key observations from an enthralling encounter at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool's Woeful Backline Rescued From Humiliation By Alisson
Liverpool will be devastated by their late collapse in south London, yet they cannot argue with the result after a catastrophic defensive showing.
Claiming Palace could have netted four goals by the first-half's midpoint is no exaggeration. The Eagles completely overwhelmed the champions from kickoff, with their pressing intensity and direct style leaving Liverpool utterly confused.
Sarr capitalized on the simplest of their numerous chances early on, finishing from close quarters following woeful Liverpool defending at a set piece, with the Reds subsequently depending on Alisson's brilliance to prevent complete disaster. Three shots on target tested the Brazilian keeper, but his incredible reactions thwarted Palace repeatedly.
Liverpool's worryingly leaky defense has been a concern early this season despite their winning streak and they were again exploited by pace and directness on Saturday. Slot urgently needs to modify his team's strategy to ensure greater defensive stability going forward.
Considerable luck has accompanied Liverpool's flawless season opener, but their fortune expired dramatically. Without Alisson, they would have been comprehensively defeated by the break.
Hugo Ekitike Suspension Proves Costly
Slot didn't hold back when addressing Hugo Ekitiké's senseless red card in Liverpool's midweek Carabao Cup triumph against Southampton. The Frenchman's ejection, earned through a second booking for removing his shirt, led to suspension for the London trip.
Alexander Isak, still adjusting and regaining match sharpness for the Reds, was compelled to start but failed to make a significant impression during Liverpool's disappointing performance. He showed improvement after halftime yet remained far below the high standards he established at Newcastle United, even missing a clear chance when he should have scored.
Liverpool's inability to call upon Ekitiké from the substitutes' bench proved a massive setback for Slot as his team pursued an equalizer. The impressive summer addition would have offered the Reds fresh energy to challenge Palace's stubborn five-man defense, potentially altering the match well before Chiesa's ultimately meaningless late goal.
Florian Wirtz Endures Another Difficult Afternoon
Questions were asked when Slot positioned Florian Wirtz on the left flank at Selhurst Park. The £116 million ($155.2 million) midfielder can function in wide areas and has already done so briefly at Liverpool, but it's clearly not the German's optimal position. This was emphasized during another mostly disappointing display from the marquee acquisition.
Wirtz has yet to find the net or provide an assist for Liverpool and his sluggish beginning is starting to worry his new club. Not only has the 22-year-old failed to produce meaningful contributions in red, he's appeared concerningly invisible in his appearances thus far, battling with the Premier League's physical demands.
While Wirtz contributed more for Liverpool from the second half's start until his substitution—when he shifted to a central role—he still lacked the clinical quality that made him outstanding at Bayer Leverkusen. The effort he weakly directed into Dean Henderson's grasp from merely six yards highlighted his confidence issues.
Liverpool must help Wirtz rediscover his form, but Slot's tolerance is already being challenged. His removal in the 74th minute when the Reds required a goal was telling.
Marc Guehi Shows Liverpool What They're Missing
Liverpool's inability to acquire Palace captain Marc Guéhi during the summer transfer window becomes even more irritating following Giovanni Leoni's ACL setback, with the England defender displaying his exceptional ability during Saturday's clash with the Reds.
Palace were tremendously solid defensively and were largely unlucky not to secure a shutout. Guéhi spearheaded the Eagles' defensive efforts, completing three tackles, seven clearances and one interception against Liverpool's talented attacking unit. Additionally, he even provided an assist for Nketiah's winner.
Considering Liverpool were repeatedly vulnerable defensively, Guéhi's outstanding display only adds insult to injury. Leoni's setback isn't the sole reason the Reds desperately require the composed 25-year-old's signature in January.