Slot pinpoints reason for Liverpool 100% loss
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Arne Slot insists Liverpool’s defending led to the end of their 100% start.
The Premier League champions were finally defeated for the first time from eight games in all competitions during Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Federico Chiesa appeared to have snatched a late equaliser at Selhurst Park only for the hosts to retake the lead in stoppage time through Eddie Nketiah.
Slot’s side and the Eagles headed into their latest encounter as the only top flight teams to still enjoy unbeaten openings to the new domestic campaign.
But the Reds head coach indirectly pinpointed Jeremie Frimpong’s positioning in the build-up to Nketiah’s winner as the turning point for their 2-1 reversal.
“We can only blame ourselves for defending the way we did,” said Slot.
“One of our players ran out because he wanted to play a counter-attack, which was of no use because time was up, so it was only about defending.
“One player was too offensively minded in that moment, which led to them scoring the winner and us losing the game.”
He added: “It was a disappointing first half and disappointing end to game.
“Credit to Palace – with the Community Shield it’s not the first time we’ve lost to them.
“They deserved to be two or three up in the first half.
The second half was much better from us, we created chances which not many teams do here.
“It took us a while to score a goal – and when we did, to concede another set-piece goal is just as disappointing as the first half.
“If one team deserved to win today it was Palace.”