Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool: Nketiah Strikes, Breaks Liverpool’s Unbeaten Record

Eddie Nketiah fired a dramatic 97th-minute winner as Crystal Palace shocked Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park, climbing to second in the Premier League and sending the home supporters into raptures.

Palace, who had already beaten Liverpool in the Community Shield earlier this season, showed once again they have the quality to challenge the league’s elite under coach Oliver Glasner.

Nketiah Seals It at the Death

The match seemed destined for a draw after Federico Chiesa leveled with just minutes of normal time left, canceling out Ismaila Sarr’s first-half strike. But deep into stoppage time, a long throw from Chris Richards was flicked on by captain Marc Guehi, and Nketiah pounced at the far post.

There was a tense VAR check for offside, but the goal stood, sparking wild celebrations in the stands and leaving Liverpool stunned. With no time left to respond, the champions’ unbeaten run came to a halt in dramatic fashion.

Palace Rise to the Occasion

The victory puts Palace within three points of the league leaders and further highlights their rapid improvement since Glasner’s arrival. Compact in defense and ruthless on the counterattack, Palace frustrated Liverpool’s stars while executing their own plan to perfection.

The Eagles could have led by more at halftime. Mateta struck the inside of the post, and Alisson was kept busy with a series of saves as Palace carved through Liverpool’s back line. Sarr’s goal came after a contentious corner decision, but it reflected Palace’s early dominance.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s costly summer recruits, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, struggled to influence proceedings. Wirtz in particular missed a gilt-edged chance in the second half, softly poking a close-range effort at Dean Henderson, and this was a moment that summed up his frustrating afternoon.

Defensive Battle

At the back, Guehi delivered a commanding performance, effectively neutralizing Mohamed Salah, ironically, weeks after a potential transfer move to Anfield collapsed. In contrast, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate looked far less convincing, with Palace regularly exploiting gaps in his area.

Ryan Gravenberch, who had inadvertently set up Sarr’s opener with a poor clearance, nearly made amends when his header forced Henderson into a fine save. But overall, Liverpool were second-best until Chiesa gave them a late lifeline.

Chiesa’s Equalizer Not Enough

Liverpool rallied after halftime, aided by substitute Cody Gakpo’s energy. Their pressure eventually told when Chiesa converted clinically inside the box, raising hopes of another late comeback.

However, controversy lingered around the goal. There were shouts for a possible handball against Salah during the build-up, which appeared to interfere with Richards’ clearance. In the end, it counted, but Liverpool’s joy was short-lived as Palace responded with the decisive strike.

History for Palace

With the victory, Palace stretched their unbeaten streak to 18 matches, equaling a club record dating back to 1969. The Eagles are now the only side in the Premier League yet to lose this season, and their growing momentum could have a big say in the title race.

For Liverpool, the result dents their charge at the top and provides encouragement for their rivals. For Palace, it marks another step in their evolution from underdogs to serious contenders.

This is What the Managers Had to Say

Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace manager:
“I think that was the best first half we’ve played since I arrived. Against the champions, you always expect late pressure, and we had to ride it out, but the players showed incredible spirit. I’m really proud of the group, it was a total team performance.

On Marc Guehi: “That’s exactly the level I knew he would deliver. He trains like that every day, and today he showed again what a top defender he is.”

On expectations: “We’re only in September, so it’s too early to think too far ahead. But these moments give us confidence and energy. We’ll take the positives, learn where we can still improve, and keep building.”

Arne Slot – Liverpool manager
“It was a very tough first half, we were fortunate to only be one down at the break. In the second half, we created chances and thought we had done enough for a draw, but conceding from a set piece at the end cost us.

“We must be better at defending set pieces if we want to compete for the title. The margins in this league are small, and Palace exploited them. Their style caused us a lot of problems, especially on the counterattack in the first half.”