Liverpool’s First Defeat of the Season Amidst a Day of Upsets
The Premier League season saw Liverpool, the reigning English champions, suffer their first loss of the season with a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace in the 6th round. The upset wasn’t isolated to Liverpool, as both Chelsea and Manchester United also experienced losses.
Liverpool’s Loss to Crystal Palace
Eddie Nketiah scored the winning goal for Crystal Palace in stoppage time, securing a victory for the Eagles who had taken the lead earlier in the 9th minute through Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr. Liverpool thought they had equalized when Italian Federico Chiesa scored in the 87th minute, but Nketiah’s late goal left Liverpool with their first loss of the season.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker made several crucial saves, including one on a line-breaking attempt by Spanish player Yeremy Pino. Despite these efforts, Liverpool couldn’t avoid defeat due to Nketiah’s decisive goal when everyone assumed the match was over.
Crystal Palace’s Rise in the Rankings
Following their FA Cup triumph last season, Crystal Palace now sits provisionally second with 12 points, only three behind Liverpool’s 15. The Palace had previously spoiled Liverpool’s Community Shield (English Super Cup) victory by defeating them on penalties in August.
“We can only blame ourselves for the way we defended,” said Arne Slot, Crystal Palace’s manager, expressing disappointment over the late-game goal conceded.
Implications for Other Teams
Although Liverpool’s first place remains secure due to their previous five consecutive wins, this loss offers other teams an opportunity to narrow the gap. Sunderland (3rd) and Bournemouth (4th) both have 11 points, with Sunderland winning 1-0 against Nottingham and Bournemouth drawing 2-2 with Leeds.
Manchester City (5th) also benefits from this upset, now holding 10 points after crushing Burnley 5-1. Norwegian Erling Haaland scored a brace, while French defender Maxime Estève’s two own goals contributed to Burnley’s downfall.
Key Teams’ Performance
Arsenal (6th) and Tottenham (7th), both with 10 points, have a chance to climb the rankings and get back within two points of Liverpool. Arsenal faces Newcastle (15th) on Sunday, while Tottenham plays Wolverhampton (20th), the league’s bottom team, on Saturday.
Chelsea’s Struggles
Chelsea, the reigning world champions, suffered a 1-3 defeat at home against Brighton. Argentine Enzo Fernández gave Chelsea the lead in the 24th minute, but after Trevoh Chalobah’s red card in the 53rd minute, Brighton took control.
Danny Welbeck equalized for Brighton in the 77th minute, and the visitors scored twice in stoppage time – Maxim De Cuyper in the 90+2nd minute and Welbeck again in the 90+10th minute – to secure a shocking victory.
Chelsea now sits 8th with 16 points, trailing the leaders by 8 points. With recent losses in three of their last four matches across all competitions, Chelsea faces a challenging period under manager Enzo Maresca.
Ruben Amorim’s Precarious Position at Manchester United
Manchester United, ranked 14th with only 7 points, suffered a 3-1 loss to Brentford (13th). This defeat significantly weakens manager Ruben Amorim’s position.
Brazilian (and Bulgarian national) Igor Thiago scored twice for Brentford, further complicating matters for Amorim, who commented post-match: “Like every defeat in this club, it hurts a lot… It’s hard to lose again, but we need to focus on the next game.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How did Liverpool’s loss impact their standing? A: Despite the loss, Liverpool remains in first place due to their previous five consecutive wins.
- Q: Which other teams experienced losses alongside Liverpool? A: Chelsea lost 1-3 to Brighton, and Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat against Brentford.
- Q: How did Crystal Palace benefit from Liverpool’s loss? A: Crystal Palace now sits provisionally second with 12 points, only three behind Liverpool.
- Q: What are the implications for Arsenal and Tottenham? A: Both teams have a chance to climb the rankings and get within two points of Liverpool.
- Q: How is Chelsea performing this season? A: Chelsea sits 8th with 16 points, trailing the leaders by 8 points, and has recently lost three of their last four matches.
- Q: What is the situation for Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim? A: Following the 3-1 loss to Brentford, Ruben Amorim’s position has become precarious.
