Liverpool FC have leapfrogged Arsenal to claim top-spot in the English Premier League with a 1-2 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Harvey Elliott’s late-strike completed a turnaround for the Reds who had earlier equalised through Mohamed Salah’s 200th goal for the club.
Crystal Palace took the lead in bizarre circumstances after they were awarded a penalty despite play continuing for two minutes after the incident.
Mateta scored from the spot in the 57th minute following the delayed VAR check and it seemed Roy Hodgson’s men were on track for three points.
However, Jordan Ayew was sent off for two yellow cards to hand Liverpool the numerical advantage to launch a comeback.
Mo Salah scored his 200th Liverpool goal and 150th in the Premier League to pull Jurgen Klopp’s men level in the 77th minute.
That goal sparked a late-push by Liverpool for a winner and they were eventually rewarded in the 91st minute when substitute, Harvey Elliot struck the match-winner.
Elliot picked up the ball from a long way out and he drove into the space before unleashing a brilliant effort to beat the Palace goalkeeper at his near post.
Palace were denied a late equalizer when Alisson pushed Anderson’s goal-bound header away from the target in the final seconds of the energy sapping encounter.
Liverpool FC held on to defeat Palace 1-2 and go top of the Premier League with 37-points from 16-games, one point more than second placed Arsenal FC who have a game in hand.
The Reds will return to action on Thursday when they visit Belgium for a UEFA Europa League clash vs Union Saint Gilolloise.
