“Liverpool can defend after all” – Three things learnt from Liverpool 1-0 Crystal Palace

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Liverpool had not beaten Crystal Palace at Anfield since 2013 and risked allowing the Eagles to win four consecutive games at Anfield since Arsenal in 1935, but even a weakened Liverpool side rose to the occasion and saw off their opposition.

It was a close cut affair, with Christian Benteke missing a golden opportunity to give his side the lead as he fired over from only six yards out.

Sadio Mane’s energy and pressing led to the goal which gave Liverpool the win as his pace gave him an extra yard to capitalise on defensive errors at the back by Palace before stabbing the ball home.

Here is what The Boot Room learnt from the game…

Jurgen Klopp is taking nothing for granted in the Champions League

Liverpool made five changes from the unchanged line-up which faced both Watford and Hoffenheim in the first few days of the season. After beating the Germans 2-1 in the first leg, it was clear that Jurgen Klopp was not going to risk many of his key players only days before the crucial second leg.

New signing Andrew Robertson was given a debut at left-back and impressed, whilst James Milner also made a case for himself in a midfield role after spending all of last season in defence. This kind of squad depth could be crucial to Liverpool’s chances this season.

Crystal Palace need a Plan C

Against Huddersfield, Palace tried to get the ball down and play football. It failed spectacularly. At Anfield, they took a more direct approach but Liverpool defended it surprisingly well. Palace were left with no other game plan and just couldn’t find a way through the Liverpool defence.

Frank de Boer may be new to his club but he will be concerned at their first two games. Too many key players, such as Christian Benteke, failed to live up to expectations at Anfield, and were crucial to the plan. Without them on form, Palace had no real threat and struggled to look dangerous.

Liverpool can defend after all

Young Joe Gomez, debutant Andrew Robertson and reserve option Ragnar Klavan may not have filled Liverpool fans with confidence after the defensive shambles witnessed at Vicarage Road last weekend. All three produced fine displays and performed above and beyond all expectations alongside Joel Matip.

Klavan looked assured and confident in the air where Dejan Lovren struggled a week ago and Robertson added a more reliable defensive presence than Alberto Moreno. Joe Gomez too impressed and will ensure that even in Nathaniel Clyne’s absence Trent Alexander-Arnold is on his toes.