Coming into Selhurst Park in a chilly Saturday afternoon, the odds were against the Liverpool side that has lost just a single match in 2015. While that defeat was away at Stamford Bridge in the Semi-final of the Capital One Cup, Liverpool were poised to put their recent troubles at the Selhurst Park behind them.
And looking at the final score-line, the Reds were able to gain the revenge of last season’s draw which effectively ended their pursuit of Premier League title.
Here are the 4 things that we learned from this particular fixture: –
Mario Balotelli is slowly getting confidence back
After earning his 1st ever goal for Liverpool in the Premier League in mid-week, Mario Balotelli is now looking a totally different player. Give credit to the return of Daniel Sturridge or the trust that Brendan Rodgers put in the Italian, the 16million pound Summer signing is slowly reaping benefits for the Reds.
Although Liverpool dominated the whole of first half and got a goal early in the 2nd one, they had to rely on the Free-kick of Mario Balotelli to grab the lead. Adam Lallana parried away the ball into the net after Mario Balotelli made a decent attempt from the free kick from 20 yards out.
Thus, even though he has taken so long to solidify his case, the former Manchester City player is acquiring his golden form towards the business end of this season.
Daniel Sturridge is back and running
While Liverpool fans missed the Englishman sorely for the 7 month period during his injury, there was several doubts amongst the Liverpool fans upon his return. While he scored 21 goals last season alongside Luis Suarez, it was to be seen that whether the Englishman could deliver in the absence of the Uruguayan.
However, much to the amusement of Liverpool fans, Daniel Sturridge has started from the offset where he finished last season. Although he has played just 3 matches since his much awaited return, Daniel Sturridge has been involved directly in 3 goals already.
And with Liverpool facing all of the sides above them later, the form of Daniel Sturridge is a much needed boast for the cornered Reds this season.
Simon Mignolet is looking like a different breed
While there are many players around the globe who suffer mediocrity on a consistent basis, there are some who need a shock to get their real talent. And looking at the current form of the Belgian, he belongs in the latter class.
Although he has conceded 3 goals in last 2 matches, Mignolet has – for the first time this season – saved more goals than he has conceded in the time being. One of the most crucial save of this match was when Gayle was one-on-one against him, and with a 1-0 lead still intact, Palace would have gone away had Mignolet wouldn’t have stood tall.
Having kept just 4 clean sheets in the first 15 matches of this season in the Premier League, Mignolet has kept 5 clean sheets in the next 8 matches. So as they say better late than never, the Belgian is finally looking like a goal-keeper of the standard of Liverpool football club.
Liverpool are the comeback Kings in FA Cup
From that win against AFC Wimbledon where Liverpool recovered from an Akinfenwa goal, to yesterday’s win where they got back from 1 goal down, the Reds have acquired the status of Come-back Kings in the FA Cup this season.
And with their journey in the FA Cup just 90 minutes away from a trip to the Wembley, Brendan Rodgers would hope that his team continue on the same path.
Full time: Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Barcalys Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool - 4 things we learned
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