Liverpool registered their first win of the season on Saturday as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Anfield. The Eagles have been a problem side for the Merseysiders in recent seasons, so manager Jurgen Klopp will have been keen to get a win over the London side and his side duly obliged, while also keeping a clean sheet.
Klopp’s side had several standout performers on the day, with the centre-back pairing of Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan keeping ex-Red Christian Benteke quiet, whilst new signing Andrew Robertson at left-back had a very good game, and was ultimately unlucky not to get two assists.
However, it was Sadio Mane who stole the show, scoring the game’s only goal and effectively sealing the tie for Liverpool.
The winger was the Reds’ biggest attacking threat, consistently getting in goal-scoring positions. When a player has five shots on goal, four on target, the chances are that they will score, especially when that player is as clinical as Mane.
The Reds winger possibly should have a had a goal earlier, when Andrew Robertson cross dropped to him inside the box. Unfortunately, the forward just wasn’t able to get enough on his shot and it was an easy save for the Palace keeper. and quickly becoming ‘one of those days’ for Liverpool.
It seemed to be becoming just ‘one of those days’ for Liverpool, with many of their creative talents failing to put the ball in the back of the net. The likes of Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Georginio Wijnaldum all struggled in front of goal.
However, Mane made the breakthrough in the 73rd minute when the ball dropped to him after Milivojevic misplaced his touch. The Senegalese international latched onto the ball and smashed it into the corner, scoring the goal that won the game for his side.
Two goals in two Premier League games prompts an impressive start for Mane, form which will please manager Jurgen Klopp.
It is also worth noting the work of new boy Dominic Solanke, who came off the bench and played an important role in the goal.
Another of the Liverpool’s summer signings, Mohamed Salah, also had an impressive performance off the bench, and his and Mane’s pace out wide certainly is a positive for Liverpool.