Nketiah’s Late Strike Hands Liverpool First Premier League Defeat of the Season
Eddie Nketiah’s dramatic 97th-minute goal secured a 2-1 victory for Crystal Palace, handing Liverpool their first Premier League defeat of the 2025/26 campaign.
Palace took an early lead through Ismaila Sarr in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a dominant opening period. Liverpool struggled to create clear chances in the first half and only began to find rhythm after the break. Federico Chiesa came off the bench to equalize in the 87th minute, seemingly rescuing a point for the visitors.
However, a late lapse proved costly. From a long throw-in, Liverpool were caught out at the back post, leaving Nketiah unmarked to score the winner.
Speaking after the match, manager Arne Slot pinpointed the decisive moment:
“One of our players pushed forward looking to launch a counter when there was no time left. All that mattered was defending. That mistake led to their winner.”
The result continues a worrying pattern for Liverpool, with both Palace goals coming from set-piece situations — a trend also seen in their earlier 3-2 win over Newcastle.
Slot, however, emphasized Palace’s overall quality:
“Alisson kept us in the game with some great saves. Palace are dangerous in several ways — set-pieces, balls in behind, and transitions. In the first half, they fully deserved their lead. We improved after halftime, but if any team deserved the win today, it was Palace.”
