Six talking points following a thrilling comeback by Crystal Palace, Harvey Elliott propels Liverpool to victory 

PALACE CRYSTAL 1-2 LIVERPOOL: After Jordan Ayew’s red card, Liverpool scored two late goals to tie the score after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty put Palace ahead.

Liverpool took some time to settle into their routine before using a controversial red card to turn a loss into a victory and take the lead in the Premier League standings on Saturday when they headed to South London for another 12.30 kickoff.

In the first half, both sides appeared lethargic, and Liverpool in particular didn’t seem like a team that could win and take the lead. After the interval, not much had changed, and Palace used the penalty spot to punish their weak opponents.

However, Liverpool quickly levelled the score after Palace forward Jordan Ayew received a red card. Harvey Elliott, a replacement, gave the visitors the lead in the last minute after Mohamed Salah’s deflected strike marked his 200th goal for the team.

Roy Hodgson, the manager of Palace who had previously managed Liverpool, was under fire following the Eagles’ embarrassing midweek loss at home to Bournemouth. After Virgil van Dijk fouled, referee Andy Madley signalled for a penalty, giving his team a great opportunity to take the lead. However, play was stopped for a foul committed earlier in the play.

For a large portion of the match, Liverpool wasn’t themselves, but they prevailed thanks to the man advantage. Elliott cut in from the right and hit the corner after Salah equalised with a nasty deflection.

These are the key points of discussion from Selhurst Park……

1. More drama with VAR

Around the half-hour mark, Madley pointed to the spot, almost making Liverpool pay for a lethargic start. But VAR saved them, as Will Hughes was found to have fouled Wataru Endo during the build-up.

While Madley seemed to observe the contact in real time and decide it was OK, Palace supporters will believe it was a soft decision and express their concerns right away. Some, though, were likely more irritated by the length of time the referee took to make his choice.

The 105 seconds that passed between Jarell Quansah’s foul on Jean-Philippe Mateta and the choice to conduct another VAR check were even more annoying. At that moment, Mateta—who had already recovered from his injury more than a minute earlier—tucked the penalty away, meaning Palace had their opportunity.

2. Quansah’s inexperience tells

The key question was who would play centre back with Virgil van Dijk now that Joel Matip was sidelined. Ibrahim Konate lost out to Jarell Quansah, and the young player’s middle partner has already shown his admiration for him.

Van Dijk stated, “I believe Jarell has performed well each time he has had the chance so far.” Like any other player who will enter the game during a rotation, whether there are injuries or suspensions, they must be prepared for the time when it comes for them. While Joey (Joe Gomez) and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) are still available, Jarell is also a great choice.

“All of the younger generation have to fully absorb everything if they are training with us and are close to the first team. He is a decent boy. He is learning and he wants to learn.”

Following a calm first half, Quansah was sent off for dangling his leg excessively to bring Mateta down. Konate replaced him after the spot-kick was awarded, so there was no opportunity to make up for that mistake either, but there should still be more.

3. Alisson earning his corn

Alisson was a welcome sight between the sticks and was back in goal sooner than some had anticipated. Although Caoimhin Kelleher is far from incompetent, any backup goalie will appear inadequate in comparison to one of the league’s best.

The Brazilian, who dove across his line to deny Jeff Schlupp, was largely responsible for Liverpool’s early inequity. Although others argue that the Ghanaian should not have given Alisson a chance, praise should go to him for persevering with the save.

Even though he was unable to stop Mateta’s penalty, Liverpool’s meek display depended on the custodian to put them within striking distance. They needed the keeper to step up once again to deny Joachim Andersen deep into added time and preserve the score at 2-1. As the saying goes, there’s always a chance when you’re only one behind.

4. Olise gamble almost rewarded

Following Palace’s difficulties during the week, Hodgson could have felt pressured to start Michael Olise at any costs. But the manager kept his word after implying the Frenchman would need a nap.

Pregame, Hodgson stated, “We have to be making a decision more about Olise.” “After almost four months out and an enormous spike in his workload in the last two games, the sports science people are telling me to be very, very careful with him.”

Olise’s exclusion from the starting lineup combined with the injury to fellow creative outlet Ebere Eze resulted in a conservative Palace lineup. Though the Ayew red card turned things around, it appears like the plan worked off because the hosts were ahead when he replaced Jefferson Lerma in the 67th minute.

5. Reds’ midfield changes haven’t convinced yet

In recent weeks, Trent Alexander-Arnold has benefited from playing in the middle of the pitch. But against Palace, Jurgen Klopp started the England international at right-back again, starting a midfield three that was made up of all summer additions.

Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch were the starting three, with fellow newcomer Alexis Mac Allister sidelined due to injury. But at halftime, Klopp made the decision to make some changes. Joe Gomez replaced Endo at right back, and Alexander-Arnold moved forward.

Given the substantial changes made over the summer and the continued absence of Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic, it makes sense that Liverpool hasn’t decided on their ideal midfield. It would be intriguing to see if Klopp makes use of Thursday’s Europa League match to test out any fresh strategies ahead of the hectic holiday season.

For Curtis Jones, one of those things might very well be the beginning. With his assist on Salah’s equaliser, the academy product made an immediate impression and will be vying for a starting position.

6. Clyne assists Salah in raising 200

Nathaniel Clyne had a rare start on the left side of the home team’s defence since Tyrick Mitchell was unable to play for Palace. The former Liverpool player has only started one league game this season, but he did replace the injured Mitchell in the middle of the week.

As is customary for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah began the game on the right, but the Reds upset the balance in the first half when Darwin Nunez strayed wide in an attempt to take advantage of Clyne. However, it was fruitless in the beginning as the full-back held his ground.

So it seemed unjust that Salah’s equaliser was deflected past Sam Johnstone by the acting left-back. Even though Liverpool’s number 11 would have loved to score 200 goals for the Reds in front of the Anfield crowd, a draw in a difficult match is still worth something.