Three things we learned from Liverpool's Premier League triumph over Crystal Palace
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It's safe to say back-to-back league wins, building on the momentum of their thrilling Merseyside Derby triumph, have arrived at exactly the right moment.So, what stood out in a performance that has moved Liverpool closer to securing a top-five finish?FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CRYSTAL PALACE | PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages1. 9 showed sharp instincts to adjust to a wayward Alexis Mac Allister effort, cushioning it with a composed first touch before applying the finish needed to fire his side into a 1–0 lead.It wasn’t just Isak’s long-awaited first league goal at Anfield; it served as a timely reminder of why Liverpool were willing to invest so heavily in him.It’s unfortunate that Hugo Ekitike recently suffered a season-ending injury, because Isak’s display highlighted the contrast in their skill sets and the potential they could unlock together in a two-striker system.
Freddie Woodman is more than a feel-good storyFollowing his excellent cameo against Everton, third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman was thrust into the spotlight once again on Saturday, with Giorgi Mamardashvili still sidelined and he more than rose to the occasion.Aside from a freak goal conceded amid defensive confusion after taking a knock, Woodman exceeded expectations by some distance, producing five impressive saves against a Palace side that consistently finds ways to trouble Liverpool’s back line.Perhaps most crucially, after what may have been his standout save—a sharp stop to deny a headed Jean-Philippe Mateta effort—Liverpool broke immediately on the counter, with Andy Robertson finishing the move to double their advantage. It was a turning point that seemed to settle the side and provide the platform to see the match out.Woodman also looked composed in possession and playing the ball with his feet, an area that has proven less certain for Mamardashvili in recent weeks, further underlining the assurance he brought to the role.Beyond the personal milestone, marked by the Anfield crowd serenading his name, his performance could prove significant if Mamardashvili is not fit in time for next weekend’s trip to Manchester United.Should United drop points to Brentford, Liverpool will have the chance to leapfrog their rivals and take third place when they meet at Old Trafford.
If called upon again, Woodman will be stepping into yet another hostile environment fresh off his derby experience, but Saturday showed he appears capable of handling big stages.It’s been a season riddled with injuries for Liverpool, but the way the side rallied around Woodman against Palace made his display one both he and the supporters will savor.FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CRYSTAL PALACE | PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages3. Over Liverpool’s last two matches, he’s looked increasingly comfortable in the role.To my eyes, he was among Liverpool’s standout performers against Everton, and he followed that up with another strong display against Palace, highlighted by a well-weighted assist for Andy Robertson’s goal.There’s little doubt that Frimpong has a bright future at the club, but with his stop-start fitness and, arguably, defensive limitations compared to Jones, there’s a strong argument that Curtis should get the nod whenever available with four games remaining.Beyond his on-pitch contributions, Jones also has an opportunity to further establish himself as a leader—particularly with expectations that he could step into a vice-captaincy role—and as the ever-important Scouser in the side following Trent’s departure.That edge was especially evident against the Toffees, where Curtis showed a willingness to get involved and stand up for his teammates.