Crystal Palace Stun Liverpool with 97th‑Minute Nketiah Heroics to Remain Sole Unbeaten Side

Match Overview

Selhurst Park turned into a theatre of nerves on Saturday as Crystal Palace and Liverpool locked horns in what was billed as the final unbeaten showdown of the early Premier League season. The hosts drew first blood early in the first half when Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr slipped past the Liverpool defence and placed the ball beyond Alisson Becker. His goal, a low‑driven finish from the edge of the box, set the tone for an intense back‑and‑forth that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Liverpool replied after a patient build‑up, with Federico Chiesa cutting in on the left and delivering a precise low cross that found the back‑of‑net, leveling the score at 1‑1. The Italian's goal seemed to shift the momentum; Liverpool pressed higher, and Mohamed Salah had several chances, but Dean Henderson in the Palace goal performed a series of crucial saves, denying the Reds a quick restore of their perfect record.

As regulation time wound down, the tempo didn’t ease. Palace’s substitute Eddie Nketiah, brought on in the 75th minute, began testing Liverpool’s back line with quick runs and sharp movements. The breakthrough came in injury time: a lofted pass from Daniel Munoz found Nketiah just inside the penalty area. He clipped a calm, first‑time finish past a diving Alisson, sending Selhurst Park into a frenzy. The goal, coming in the 97th minute, clinched a 2‑1 victory and preserved Palace’s unbeaten status.

Implications for Both Teams

The result does more than add three points to Palace’s tally; it lifts them to the sole unbeaten club in the Premier League, extending their streak to 18 matches across all competitions—a feat last seen under manager Bert Head in 1969. The run reflects a blend of defensive solidity—highlighted by Henderson’s saves—and a knack for striking when chances appear. Young talents like Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz also earned plaudits, suggesting Palace’s squad depth is deeper than many assumed.

For Liverpool, the loss is a reality check for new manager Arne Slot. After five straight victories, the Dutch tactician will need to reassess his side’s late‑game concentration and defensive organization. While the team showed flashes of brilliance—Salah’s movement and Chiesa’s work rate—Palace’s pressure in the final minutes exposed a vulnerability that could be costly in a long season.

Both managers praised the quality of the encounter. Palace boss highlighted the team’s resilience and the impact of substitutes, while Slot admitted his side was out‑worked in the closing stages and vowed to tighten up. The upcoming fixtures will be critical: Palace aims to maintain momentum and possibly challenge for a European spot, whereas Liverpool must bounce back quickly to keep their title ambitions alive.

Fans left Selhurst Park buzzing, not only for the dramatic finish but also for the narrative it adds to this season’s early storylines. A single goal, crammed into extra minutes, has reshaped the league’s unbeaten landscape and promised even more excitement as the campaign unfolds.