Player Ratings: Four 8/10’s as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team were very organised and keen to clear his lines as Palace probed and tried to get a real hold of the game. Moments counted in the second half especially as the game tightened.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

The Argentina international was pretty effective on the ball and assisted Isak for the opener. Dove tailed well in midfield without having to cover the dropped Gravenberch. The ability to enable the third with an assist was very promising after a tough season.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

The Hungarian international was full of energy and tried to bring the fight to Palace who seemed far more controlled in the game. Looks better with freedom, though diligent with responsibilities.

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch player was too often caught up and ineffective as the game drifted through stages where Liverpool struggled to take the fight to the visitors.

Florian Wirtz – 8.0

The German attacker was good and showed signs of a good link-up across the front line. The drop into the left channel looked far more natural as he attempted to create from outside to in. The closing goal was beautifully taken.

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King was so important for the opening goals and to see him leave the pitch as a red for possibly the last time, heartbreaking.

Subbed – 59 mins

Alexander Isak – 7.0

The Swedish attacker was able to open the scoring with a fine goal after a brilliant first touch. The movement was there for all to see and hopefully, he can start to build a real bond with Wirtz in these final few games.

Subbed – 79 mins

Substitutions;

Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0 (on 59)

Came on to add pace.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0 (on 79)

Came on to add more legs in the middle.

Milos Kerkez – 6.0 (on 87)

Came on to add more renewed purpose.

Joe Gomez – 7.0 (on 87)

Came on to add more defensively.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 8.0

The starting lineup was an attacking one that was designed to score and get ahead of a team that may have one eye on European football later this week.

The second half substitutes were needed and showed a lack of real fitness as the levels dropped.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 2 Crystal Palace