With so many players ailing, Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League title were severely damaged after their 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace at home on Sunday.
Alisson (out of 10) – 7
Alisson, who hasn’t played since the beginning of April, made a welcome comeback to the squad.
The Brazilian got involved right away and tried to intervene early, but he was unable to stop Eberechi Eze from achieving his objective.
thwarted Jean-Philippe Mateta following the interval with an incredible point-blank stop.
Conor Bradley – 5
Bradley appeared to be getting caught up by the season as his influence seemed to decline in the last few weeks and he was once more performing below par.
The young player didn’t appear as confident defensively as he has in recent months, and he had difficulty providing true quality and thrust down the right flank.
Went off injured with an ankle issue.
Ibrahima Konate – 4
Has Konate been enjoying a smooth journey lately?
The Frenchman was dreadful against Atalanta and continued to be so on Sunday, showing himself to be too unpredictable both defensively and with the ball.
contributed significantly to Palace being so menacing.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
Although Van Dijk has had an incredible season, this was one of his worse games in a while.
The Liverpool captain gave Eze too much leeway to score from a cut-back, and his error nearly gave Palace a 2-0 lead.
improved as the game went on, but not to the astounding level we witness most weeks.
Andy Robertson – 7 (Man of the Match)
Robertson was one man who knew how to keep his head high.
The only other player who continually displayed passion and quality was the left-back, who also made a fantastic goal-line clearing and one outstanding burst pass.
Wataru Endo – 3
Although Endo has been a fantastic addition, it seems that the weeks are wearing him down, just like so many others have.
The 31-year-old had an astonishing first forty-five minutes, dropping the ball frequently and showing no energy. You could feel the audience getting impatient with him.
Rightly substituted at half-time.
Curtis Jones – 5
Since his injury return, Jones has lagged significantly, and this was no exception—both he and Endo were terrible.
Judge Klopp made a questionable choice in starting him because of his all-around effect and poor early-season ball retention.
Somehow missed a one-on-one that just summed it all up.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Jones and Endo were unproductive, but Mac Allister was unquestionably Liverpool’s greatest midfield player.
Not that the No. 10 put on a great performance, but he was a feisty off the ball player who tried to work magic on it.
Far from perfect, though.
Mohamed Salah – 4
By his ludicrous standards, Salah’s form has been questionable, as he struggled mightily to get into the game once more.
Before halftime, he was denied on a run and a shot, but overall, he had poor ball control and didn’t look like the elite player who had so many times lit up Anfield.
Is he getting older or is he just not fit enough?
Luis Diaz – 5
Although he was the liveliest of the three attackers to start, Diaz, the attacker for Liverpool, appears to have the most chance of producing an impact right now.
Even though he didn’t look as exhausted as some of the other players, he still had some beautiful touches and jinking runs on display.
His influence waned, though.
Darwin Nunez – 4
Given how well-liked Nunez has been this season, it does seem like people are running out of patience.
He needs to improve greatly as a football player since his hold-up play was terrible and he made too many careless touches.
Once again guilty of a glaring miss and deservedly subbed.
Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai (on for Endo, 46′) – 6
Added legs and drive, but not close to his early-season level.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (on for Bradley, 48′) – 5
Moments of quality, but clearly rusty.
Diogo Jota (on for Nunez, 66′) – 5
Missed a wonderful chance with the goal gaping; otherwise quiet.
Cody Gakpo (on for Diaz, 66′) – 7
Fair play to him, he looked a threat at least.
Harvey Elliott (on for Jones, 82′) – 5
One overhit cross and that was about it.
Subs not used: Kelleher, Quansah, Gomez, Gravenberch
Jurgen Klopp – 5
It’s safe to say that Klopp has had a challenging week, and he pledged his team would respond against Palace.
What a grave concern that didn’t materialize, then.
Liverpool’s performance in the first half was appalling and worrisome, and they were so weak and unconvinced throughout the day.
But there’s nothing he can do about the terrible ending.
After having the potential to become legendary, this season is now on the point of collapse; it would be sad to see Klopp close the season in a lame fashion.
