Crystal Palace have dropped to the bottom of the Premier League table after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. 

Palace produced a really positive performance but were unable to find the back of the net as a result of some strong Alisson saves and missed chances. 

Playing against a side of Liverpool’s quality, the performance was admirable, but the quality of Palace’s opponents shone through in moments which saw them return to Merseyside with three points. 

A penalty in additional time saw Eddie Nketiah get one back but there was little Palace could do to stop Liverpool. 

Palace matched Liverpool in terms of output, and were strong throughout, posing a constant threat. However, they came away from the game with nothing, and whilst the performance was much improved, the hierarchy at Selhurst Park will be considering their next steps when it comes to Pierre Sage’s future. 

For large parts of the game, Palace were on top. They created plenty of chances and were unfortunate not to go ahead on a number of occasions, notably when Yéremy Pino slammed a strike against the bar, as well as a handful of big saves from Alisson. 

Palace thought they had gone 1-0 up when Strand Larsen finished from close range, but was denied by the offside flag. On review, VAR couldn’t determin whether the ball had been kicked by Mac Allister or Kamada, and so stuck with the on field decision of offside. 

The visitors found the opener from a set piece, Alexis Mac Allister heading beyond Dean Henderson after finding himself unmarked. The frustration for Palace came via the awarding of the free kick, which was given after Cody Gakpo ran straight into Jefferson Lerma. That doesn’t justify the poor defensive play, which is beginning to look like it might result in Palace’s downfall.

Palace went into the break a goal behind, and started the second half well again, but it was Liverpool once again who found the net, this time through €125 million Florian Wirtz, who converted after a cross was pulled back, which has been a consistent theme for Palace this season. 

Again, Palace fought back, and battled well with Liverpool, but couldn’t find the cutting edge to break through a strong defensive line and a goalkeeper who didn’t look likely to be beaten. 

Palace were in a difficult position as the game entered the final twenty minutes. They could either push for a goal and risk making themselves vulnerable on the break, or shut up shop and accept defeat. In reality, Palace probably did the right thing, pushing for a goal that could have ignited a comeback. 

In reality though, Liverpool were just too good going forward, and a showcase of clinical finishing was rounded off when Alexander Isak made it 3-0. 

Still Palace pushed, and a questionable penalty was awarded deep in added time when Darío Osorio beat Milos Kerkez to an aerial duel, a clash of heads resulting in a penalty being given. 

Eddie Nketiah stepped up and converted with confidence, but that was the last kick of the game. 

Whilst Palace will take the positives from the performance, a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat could potentially see manager Pierre Sage lose his job.