Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 4-2 at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening, although the Reds defensive insecurities were revealed yet again.
Emre Can gave the visitors the lead as early as the sixteenth minute, but his goalscoring contribution was cancelled just two minutes later as James McArthur scored his first of two headed goals after a shocking defensive error by Dejan Lovren.
The Croatian centre-back made amends for his defensive error within three minutes of making it as he thumped a header home from a Philippe Coutinho corner. His relief at giving away such a soft goal was revealed in his celebration.
Liverpool enjoyed their second lead of the evening for a mere 12 minutes. Wilfried Zaha put the ball into a dangerous area and the Reds failed to deal with it, allowing McArthur to net his second header of the evening past a hapless Loris Karius.
It seemed as though the first half would end 2-2, but another Coutinho corner struck gold. This time, Joel Matip rose highest to smash home his first Liverpool goal. The visiting side went into the break with a one-goal lead and lots to discuss with a visibly infuriated Jurgen Klopp.
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The second half began and it was clear that Alan Pardew was not having his Palace side sitting back and hoping for a few chances on the break. Ironically, the Eagles’ more positive attitude was less fruitful than sitting back and allowing Liverpool to attack.
Roberto Firmino all but put the game to bed in the 71st minute with a delicately dinked ball over the oncoming Steve Mandanda. The Brazilian was booked for wrenching his shirt off in celebration but very few Liverpool fans could care less.
Jurgen Klopp will be happy that his side took the three points and remain third in the league, but it was clear from his angry remonstrations on the sideline that he wasn’t happy with the way his side was defending.
Full-time score: Crystal Palace 2-4 Liverpool
Scorers: James McArthur X2 – Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Roberto Firmino