Liverpool vs Crystal Palace : The slow start to Liverpool’s Premier League season continued as they were held to a draw of 1-1 against Crystal Palace following a red card handed out to the summer new signing Darwin Nunez.
The Reds were already losing ground to title contenders Manchester City on the opening day of the season losing two points as they had a lively draw against the newly-promoted Fulham.
The return trip to Anfield witnessed another slip-up which puts them four points in the lead Pep Guardiola’s champions after two games remaining.
It could, in all likelihood be more difficult for the hosts which fell behind to an impressive Wilfried Zaha goal at the break of a half that they were dominating.
The task was complicated by Nunez’s insanity headbutt against Joachim Andersen, which rightly led to him being taken to the hospital for an early bath.
But a fantastic Luis Diaz solo goal salvaged the draw for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the second period but it’s not something the manager will cherish.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Liverpool | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Goals:
PAL — WILFRIED ZAHA (JAMES MILNER) — 32nd min.
LIV — LUIS DIAZ (JAMES MILNER) — 61st min.
No excuse for Nunez after headbutt madness
It is tempting to describe the headbutt that led to Nunez’s red card as a moment of madness, but that would disregard the fact that the Uruguayan only made contact with Andersen at the second attempt. Making his full Premier League debut for his new club at Anfield, Nunez lost his senses in inexplicable fashion as he went for his opponent twice in quick succession with referee Paul Tierney close by.
Any regret he felt when the red card was initially brandished will only have grown as his teammates pushed for a winner late on despite their numerical disadvantage. The Reds would surely have won were they not a man down for so long, something their big-money summer signing will do well to remember that the next time a cool head is required in a tricky game.
Luis Diaz delivers again for Jurgen Klopp
Sadio Mane’s six-month stint at centre-forward prior to his departure from Liverpool has resulted in Nunez being widely billed as his direct replacement. But the truth is, the Senegalese only moved out of his traditional left-wing slot last term because of the fine form of January signing Luis Diaz.
One of the main bright spots for the Reds on a dispiriting evening, the Colombian showed that he has every chance of continuing his bright start with a bravura strike that secured a share of the spoils. No matter what this season holds for Klopp’s side, Diaz is certain to play a key role.
