3 days ago
24
Liverpool's first game of the 2025/26 season certainly disappoint as Arne Slot's side played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
It was game that emphasized all the reasons the Premier League has become such a global an appealing brand, with two of England's trophy winners playing out a pulsating affair at Wembley. New boys Hugo Ekitike and Jermie Frimpong were on the scoresheet in the first half, sandwiched either side of a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty. Ismaila Sarr's late strike ensured the game ended 2-2 and would be decided by penalties.
Breath-taking pace
If this was a first real indication of what to expect from Liverpool this season, then fans are in for an exhilarating campaign. Sunday's encounter, particularly in the first periods, was played at a remarkable pace. Liverpool's new rapid summer signings helped in that regard, but the speed at which Liverpool passed the ball, how high the team pressed up the pitch, and effectiveness of Palace's counters contributed to a an electric encounter.
Attacking variations
On a similar note, Sunday's game was an indication of what we can expect stylistically from the Reds this season, certainly on the ball. The front four was fluid, with Ekitike often popping up on the left and Wirtz floating all over the pitch. Frimpong and Kerkez also looked to drive from deep with the ball - intriguingly Kerkez's runs often came from pushing inside too. There was also not sense of Dominik Szoboszlai dropping deep to ensure Liverpool wasn't cut open. It all contributed to a slightly frenetic feel at times.
Defensive discipline
With Ryan Gravenberch out and Alexis Mac Allister not deemed fit to start, Slot handed Curtis Jones a starting spot at the base of midfield. While Liverpool's no.17 was solid in possession, he perhaps lacks the positional discipline of the Reds' regular sitting midfielders. It contributed to a patch defensive showing, epitomized by Virgil van Dijk's 15th minute error. In general, the Liverpool skipper wasn't at his best and habitually followed Jean-Philippe Mateta when he dropped deep, which on several occasions left a hole in the Liverpool backline, including for both Palace goals.
Substitution reaction
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Liverpool made its first changes of the game as Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister were introduced in place of Curtis Jones and Hugo Ekitike. However, there was some confusion with the no.6 initially displayed on the fourth official's board, which the the number for Milos Kerkez. The miscommunication was quickly clarified and the left-back remained in the pitch, although his fellow summer signing wasn't too happy when he was replaced. Ekitike looked glum as he sat down on the steps beside the substitutes and clearly didn't want to make way.
Unsavory start
Before the game, a period of silence to remember Diogo Jota and Andre Silva was surprisingly and disappointingly disrupted by a small minority in the Palace end. It was an incident that did not sit well with the Liverpool supporters, who made their feelings clear by booing the other end of the ground. To avoid a potential awkward situation, referee Chris Kavanagh blew his whistle early, but it left a sour taste before play began.
English (US) ·