Liverpool suffer second straight loss at Anfield as title hopes hang in the balance

By
Frank Appiah
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Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game in the 14th minute. Photo credit: Reuters
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Liverpool were dealt a major blow in their pursuit of their 20th Premier League title as Crystal Palace shocked them at Anfield on Sunday.

Eberechi Eze’s early goal, converted from Tyrick Mitchell’s cut-back, set the tone for the match, leaving the visitors in front at halftime.

Despite Liverpool’s second-half pressure, their finishing woes persisted, reminiscent of recent games against Manchester United and Atalanta.

The defeat, Liverpool’s first league loss at home since October 2022, leaves them trailing leaders Manchester City by two points and level with Arsenal who later take on Aston Villa on Sunday.

While Liverpool dominated possession and chances, Palace remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Dean Henderson’s stellar saves frustrated Liverpool’s attempts, including a remarkable stop from Darwin Nunez and denying Diogo Jota’s close-range effort.

Despite a late surge from Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah’s effort blocked in stoppage time, they couldn’t find the equaliser.

The defeat marks back-to-back losses for Jurgen Klopp’s men at Anfield haven falling to Atlanata 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in the Europa League.

Their next opportunity to reverse this trend comes in Bergamo for the Europa League second leg on Thursday, April 18, 2024, where they will strive for their first win in four games.

On the flip side, Crystal Palace emerge as the more jubilant team, securing a Premier League victory after a six-game drought. This triumph also marks the Eagles’ first win over the Reds since April 2017, a notable milestone achieved once again at Anfield.

With 33 points from 32 games, Palace currently occupy the 14th spot on the table, boasting an eight-point cushion from the relegation zone.