Nketiah stuns Liverpool as Crystal Palace end Champions’ perfect start

Crystal Palace are the only unbeaten side left in the Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 win over champions Liverpool at Selhurst Park. Substitute Eddie Nketiah scored in the 97th minute to seal a famous victory and end Liverpool’s flawless start to the season.

Palace edge Champions in Dramatic Finish

Oliver Glasner’s side came out flying, with Ismaila Sarr returning to the starting XI and making an immediate impact. The winger gave Palace the lead after just nine minutes, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box.

The Eagles dominated much of the first half, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yeremy Pino going close, only for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to keep his side alive. Palace hit the post and wasted multiple chances to extend their advantage.

Read also: Crystal Palace stun Liverpool to win first-ever Community Shield

Liverpool, however, regrouped after the break. Despite missed opportunities from Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, substitute Federico Chiesa produced what looked like a late equaliser in the 87th minute with a clinical finish into the corner.

But Selhurst Park erupted deep into stoppage time when Nketiah, making only his second appearance since returning from injury, controlled Marc Guéhi’s flick-on with his chest before volleying through Alisson’s legs. VAR checked for offside, but the goal stood, sending Palace fans into ecstasy.

Key Moments

• 9’ – Sarr smashes in the opener after Palace press hard from a corner.
• 38’ – Mateta hits the post after a fine solo effort.
• 45’ – Henderson denies Gravenberch with a fingertip save.
• 87’ – Chiesa levels for Liverpool, firing low past Henderson.
• 90+7’ – Nketiah volleys in the winner, confirmed after VAR review.

Sarr Shines on Return

While Nketiah stole the headlines with his late strike, Ismaila Sarr proved equally decisive. Returning from injury, the winger constantly stretched Liverpool’s defence and set the tone for Palace’s aggressive approach. His pace, direct running, and link-up play gave Glasner’s side an added dimension in attack.

Liverpool’s Defensive Concerns

For Liverpool boss Arne Slot, this was another reminder of his side’s vulnerability at the back. Ibrahima Konaté endured a difficult evening, while Palace targeted him repeatedly with long balls.

Ironically, Marc Guéhi, a reported Liverpool transfer target whose Deadline Day move collapsed, delivered the assist for Palace’s winner, underlining what the Reds might be missing at centre-back.

Read also: Liverpool clinch Premier League Title with 5-1 win over Tottenham

With Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season, Liverpool will have to manage with just three senior centre-halves until January. Trips to Galatasaray (Champions League) and Chelsea (Premier League) now loom large.

Historic Stats & Records

• Crystal Palace are unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions (W8, D10), equalling their longest-ever run set in 1969.
• Nketiah’s 96:59 winner was the latest Palace goal in Premier League history, and also the latest winning goal conceded by Liverpool in the competition since 2006/07.
• This is only the fifth time in club history that Palace have avoided defeat in their opening six league fixtures (previously in 1975/76, 1978/79, 1979/80, and 1990/91).
• Liverpool’s 15-point perfect start came to an end, and they have now lost four of their last seven away league matches.

Reaction from the Dugouts

Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace manager):

“Winning is always great but when it’s against the champions, it’s even better. That was the best first half since I arrived. Huge credit to the players for the response at the end. I am delighted for Eddie Nketiah after his long injury.”

Arne Slot (Liverpool manager):

“Very difficult first half. Palace did really well and deserved to be 1-0 up. Second half we were much better and got the equaliser, but in the final seconds from a set piece they won it. We have to improve defensively.”

SportsLigue