Liverpool's Premier League campaign has gotten off to a sluggish start as they could only scrape a 2-2 draw away to Fulham in their opening fixture. With reigning champions Manchester City already setting the pace at the top of the league, Jurgen Klopp's Reds couldn’t afford to linger around.

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Since losing 2-1 at Palace in April 2017, Liverpool has won 10 consecutive Premier League games against the Eagles, scoring 30 goals in the process. Palace lost their last five trips to Anfield; however, they picked up three straight victories between 2015 and 2017.

There were four changes to Liverpool following their frustrating draw with Fulham. Phillips made an unexpected start at center-back, while Elliott and Milner began in midfield. Nunez got his first league start for the club up front after scoring off the bench last time out.

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LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nathaniel Phillips, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Harvey Elliott, Fabinho, James Milner (c), Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz.

SUBS: Konstantinos Tsimikas, Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, Jordan Henderson, Bobby Clark, Adrian, Stefan Bajcetic, Joseph Gomez, Naby Keita.

Palace does indeed has a tricky opening run of encounters; having fallen 2-0 to Arsenal on the opening day, their next excursion after Anfield is to Manchester City, with a home clash against Aston Villa in between. The Eagles haven't lost their opening two games of a Premiership campaign since 2017-18 and won't want to play catch-up either.

There was only one adjustment to Palace following their setback to Arsenal to keep the record rolling. Ward stepped in at center-back, replacing Edouard in a 5-4-1 formation.

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CRYSTAL PALACE (5-4-1): Vicente Guaita; Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward (c), Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell; Eberechi Eze, Cheick Oumar Doucoure, Jeffrey Schlupp, Wilfried Zaha; Jordan Ayew.

SUBS: Sam Johnstone, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Will Hughes, Luke Plange, Michael Olise, Odsonne Edouard, Malcolm Ebiowei, Luka Milivojevic, Chris Richards.

Liverpool got off to a sizzling start! They had had 14 touches in Palace's box within just twenty minutes. Palace didn’t have a single one in Liverpool's box yet. Liverpool was driving wide and crossing at every opportunity. After the disappointing start, Liverpool wanted all three points. They were creating chances, crossing, and pushing higher and higher. In the meantime, they forgot about someone capable of destroying them with his agility, skills, and finishing.

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Within just half an hour from a Guaita long kick, Eze dragged Fabinho out of the play; it was a decisive break by Palace, who took full advantage of Liverpool's high line. All Eze had to do was send Zaha scampering, and the Ivorian swooped into the zone and smashed the ball confidently into the far bottom corner. **GOAL! LIVERPOOL 0-1 CRYSTAL PALACE! ** Palace seized the lead against the run of play! It's hard to understate how clinical Palace had been here. The hosts have had 11 shots thus far. Palace scored with their first one.

The skill and pass by Eze 😳
The finish by Zaha ⚡️

Another class Palace counter-attack.#CPFC | #LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/UOensJpRqH

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 15, 2022

Liverpool didn’t deserve to be behind, but they were. Palace had defended superbly under sustained pressure, and Zaha made the most of their one ample opportunity to give them the lead. Klopp's men had performed OK, but they will have to dig deeper to find a solution as quickly as possible.

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Liverpool has won just one of their last 11 Premier League games when trailing at half-time, while Palace has lost just one of their last 13 in a similar situation. Anything less than three points would be disastrous for the Reds, unfortunately. Their title race might be hindered before it's begun.

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Palace was finding more time and space in Liverpool's half, and the spectators at Anfield were becoming frustrated. Things were getting heated. Nunez found it challenging dealing with Anderson. Shit! What just happened? That wasn’t in the script! Nunez was handed a straight red card for head-butting Andersen after the Dane shoved him on the back. It was provoked, but the Uruguayan's lost his mind as his teammates urged him to get off the field. He made Liverpool's job a lot more complicated. Andersen's booked for his share in the scuffle with Nunez. It's worked out exceptionally for Palace, though. Even after the game, he acknowledged the success of his attention.

HIGHLIGHTS

Liverpool was now lined up in a 4-3-2 formation. They had half an hour to salvage anything from this game. Diaz drew 10-man Liverpool level with a stunning shot! The Colombian received Milner's pass, jinked inside from the left, and curled a superb shot into the far top corner from the outside of the box. You just don't save them. Milner may claim the assist, but it was all Diaz's invention. It'd be a terrific goal at any time, but it's extra vital considering Liverpool's circumstances. They've got belief again!

Every angle of Luis Diaz's strike last night against Crystal Palace, presented by @Sonos 📽 pic.twitter.com/PBInEN055i

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2022

The result left Liverpool 12th in the Premier League rankings, four points behind league leaders Manchester City already. Palace is 16th. They'll be thrilled to have escaped Anfield with a draw that delivers them their first point of the season. They'd have taken that before kick-off, I guess!

You just have to love him. #CPFC | #LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/oDgIvqJnGs

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 16, 2022

Liverpool is prepared to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford next, while Palace visits Aston Villa. Klopp and his side need their first victory sooner rather than later if they're to challenge City for the crown again this season.

That's all for now. Goodbye!

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