Mohamed Salah notched his 200th goal for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp's team mounted a late comeback against 10-man Crystal Palace, securing a top spot in the Premier League and intensifying the pressure on former manager Roy Hodgson.
Salah joined an elite group, including Ian Rush, Roger Hunt, Gordon Hodgson, and Billy Liddell, by reaching the milestone with a crucial 76th-minute equalizer. The turning point came after Jordan Ayew's red card, and Harvey Elliott sealed the victory with a stunning strike during added time, lifting Liverpool above Arsenal.
Crystal Palace had initially taken the lead with Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty, and despite Liverpool's dominance, they struggled to break down the resilient hosts. The returning Alisson made crucial saves, preventing Palace from adding to their lead.
Salah's goal followed Ayew's dismissal, and Liverpool's late surge showcased their ability to turn setbacks into victories. Klopp expressed satisfaction with the three points, acknowledging the team's less-than-stellar performance for the majority of the match.
The win extended Liverpool's unbeaten run to nine games, placing them one point above Arsenal in the league standings. Klopp's side demonstrated a remarkable ability to secure late victories, emphasizing their title-contending status.
Salah's prolific goal tally, achieved in 327 appearances since joining in 2017, positions him as a key figure in Liverpool's title pursuit. The team's resilience and fighting mentality were reminiscent of their 2019-20 title-winning side.
For Crystal Palace and Roy Hodgson, the defeat added to their recent struggles, with only one win in their last nine league matches. Despite an improved performance, Hodgson faced mounting pressure to reverse the team's fortunes, especially after Ayew's red card marked the beginning of their collapse. Palace's upcoming challenge is a daunting trip to face Manchester City.
Hodgson expressed disappointment with the game's outcome and believed his team was harshly treated, particularly after Ayew's dismissal. The defeat marked Palace's fourth consecutive home loss, raising concerns about their precarious position in the league.
As Liverpool celebrated their late triumph, Hodgson faced the challenge of inspiring a change in fortunes for a struggling Crystal Palace side.
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