Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Player Ratings: Szoboszlai 9/10 as Reds Ruthlessly Punish Wasteful Eagles 3-1

Quick Summary Table

Florian Wirtz arrived at Selhurst Park with 19 Premier League shots and no goals this season, the most of any player, and ended that run on 54 minutes. Liverpool won 3-1 to move into fourth before the international break, while Crystal Palace sit bottom after 10 games. On the other, a frustrated, increasingly fragile Crystal Palace side who created enough to score, but never truly believed they would.

The 3-1 scoreline at a rocking Selhurst Park does not tell the full story of this Premier League clash. Palace actually carved out several big chances, particularly through Yeremy Pino and Quinten Timber, and had Liverpool wobbling midway through the first half. Yet every time the hosts threatened, Alisson and his back line found just enough resilience to keep the sheet clean.

The turning point came with Alexis Mac Allister's towering header from a typically wicked Dominik Szoboszlai delivery. After that opener, Palace's belief drained slowly but clearly, while Liverpool grew more controlled and ruthless. The second from Florian Wirtz and the late third by Alexander Isak felt almost inevitable as spaces opened up. In the context of the Premier League table, this looked like a defining away performance from Andoni Iraola's men. Check out the Crystal Palace vs Liverpool player ratings.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Here are the Liverpool player ratings from the Crystal Palace vs Liverpool player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Alisson - 8: We noticed early on that Alisson set the tone with aggressive positioning. He produced several smart stops, especially from Yéremy Pino's header and Adam Wharton's effort. His handling under pressure looked calm, even when Palace loaded the box with crosses. Distribution was not flawless, but he still found runners with long balls when needed. This was a classic big-game Alisson performance, solid more than spectacular. A clean sheet at Selhurst felt largely down to his authority.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 7: Van Dijk started a little cautiously, maybe even too passive in a few duels. Still, his reading of crosses and cut-backs remained superb throughout. We saw him marshal the line well, especially when Palace pumped balls toward Pino and Larsen. On the ball, he kept things tidy and broke lines selectively with clipped passes. He did give away a couple of fouls in awkward areas, which slightly drags his score. Overall though, he projected calm when Liverpool most needed it.

Jérémy Jacquet - 8: Jacquet quietly delivered one of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt. He attacked corners relentlessly, and on another day probably scores from one of his headed chances. Defensively, his duels with Larsen and later Nketiah were consistently firm but controlled. We noticed his timing in the tackle and aerials looked confident, even after that brief injury scare. His distribution into midfield was also sharper than the raw numbers suggest. He earns a strong rating for combining aggression with composure at the back.

Milos Kerkez - 7: Kerkez's energy stood out to us from the opening minutes. He won several key free kicks that relieved pressure and pushed Liverpool upfield. Defensively, his one‑v‑one work against Palace's wide players was quietly efficient. On the ball he kept passing simple, but offered overlaps at smart moments. There were a couple of loose touches in buildup that invited pressure. Even so, his duels record and positioning justify a solid, respectable score.

Ronald Araujo - 6: This was a strange game for Araujo, and his rating reflects that. We saw him make a few important blocks and one big chance of his own from close range. However, he also committed too many fouls in dangerous areas and picked up a yellow. His timing in challenges sometimes felt half a step late, especially against Pino's movement. On set pieces he remained a weapon, but his composure dipped under pressure. Being substituted late felt like a sensible move from the bench.

Midfielders

Florian Wirtz - 8.5: Wirtz was close to unplayable in moments. His goal for 2-0 showcased his movement between Palace's lines and his composure in the box. Beyond the strike, he consistently found space in half‑spaces and linked beautifully with Isak. We noticed his defensive work too, tracking back and making interceptions near his own area. Yes, he lost possession a few times trying risky passes, but that felt acceptable given his creative output. He ends up as one of the highest-rated players on the pitch for us.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 9: For us, Szoboszlai was the standout and man of the match. His set‑piece delivery tormented Palace all afternoon, with six key passes and a devastating crossing rhythm. The assist for Mac Allister's opener summed up his technical quality and game intelligence. We also noticed his work rate, dropping into deeper pockets to help progress the ball. He won duels, tracked runners, and looked in total control until his substitution. If anything, he left the pitch looking slightly frustrated he could not create even more.

Alexis Mac Allister - 8: Mac Allister's header felt like the psychological break in this contest. His timing into the box from a deeper role was excellent, and Palace never quite tracked it. On the ball he varied play smartly with long diagonals and short combinations alike. We noticed a couple of hefty tackles, one of which rightly drew a yellow. Defensively, he screened the back line effectively and won his share of duels. A goal, strong off‑ball work, and leadership in midfield earn him a high rating.

Cody Gakpo - 6.5: Gakpo's performance left us a little conflicted. He helped structure Liverpool's pressing wide, closing Palace passing lanes diligently. On the ball, his link play was tidy, but too many touches broke down under pressure. We saw him lose duels more often than he should for his size and skill. Still, he contributed a useful pass in the buildup to one of Barcola's chances. Substituted in the second half, his outing felt functional rather than sparkling.

Bradley Barcola - 6.5: Barcola's numbers look mixed, and the eye test matched that. He created a big chance and assisted Wirtz with a well‑weighted cross. Yet he also missed a glaring opportunity himself and took some poor decisions in transition. We noticed his defensive work was honest, even if he conceded fouls and took a yellow. His dribbling threat stretched Palace's back line but lacked consistent end product. Overall, this was a lively but erratic showing before being replaced.

Forwards

Alexander Isak - 8: Isak's late goal felt like the reward for a selfless, hard‑running display. For long spells he operated almost alone against two centre‑backs, yet kept them constantly occupied. His pressing intensity forced a few rushed Palace clearances we noticed from the stands. The finishing for 3‑0 showed calm, precise technique under fatigue. Before that, he had already tested Henderson with a couple of dangerous efforts.

Substitutes

Víctor Muñoz - 6: Muñoz brought fresh legs and some aggression on the flank, but also a bit of chaos. He helped sustain pressure high up the pitch with direct running. However, his yellow card for simulation felt needless and slightly immature in a settled game. We noticed one lovely assist‑type pass that led to a Wirtz chance late on. His cameo gave Liverpool energy without massively changing the contest. A steady but imperfect contribution overall.

Trey Nyoni - 6: Nyoni slotted into midfield and focused mainly on maintaining structure. He committed one foul that broke up a Palace transition, which felt tactically useful. On the ball he kept things simple, rarely venturing into high‑risk passes. We did not see many standout moments, but he looked composed for his age.

Rio Ngumoha - 6.5: Ngumoha caught our eye with one sharp run inside that forced a Henderson save. His directness immediately posed a different problem for a tired Palace back line. Off the ball he pressed with enthusiasm and tracked his full‑back diligently. There were a couple of heavy touches, showing some rawness in tight spaces. Still, he looked fearless, which always stands out in a young substitute.

Joe Gomez - 6: Coming on very late, Gomez's job was largely about seeing the game out. He helped defend a couple of set pieces and kept the line compact. We noticed his communication with Jacquet and Van Dijk was clear immediately. With limited time, he neither inflated nor harmed his rating much. A routine, professional cameo at the end.

Lewis Koumas - 6: Koumas entered alongside Gomez with the result essentially secured. His pressing from the front showed enthusiasm and willingness to chase lost causes. He did not get a clear sight of goal or many touches. Still, his movement tried to exploit tired Palace legs in behind. Hard to judge too harshly with so few minutes on the pitch.

Manager

A. Iraola - 8: Iraola's plan impressed us a lot on the day. He accepted Palace would have spells of pressure, but trusted his defence and goalkeeper. The emphasis on set‑piece quality through Szoboszlai was clearly deliberate and devastating. His timing with substitutions, especially protecting key players like Szoboszlai, felt sensible. We noticed how Liverpool's press remained structured even deep into the second half. Overall, he clearly won the tactical battle and extracted a ruthless away performance.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Have a look at the Crystal Palace player ratings from the Crystal Palace vs Liverpool player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson - 7: Conceding three might suggest a poor display, but that felt harsh from our view. Henderson made several excellent saves, particularly late on when Liverpool threatened to run riot. His handling under high balls was generally assured despite a heavy workload. Distribution remained a mixed bag with some wild long balls, yet he tried to launch counters. We noticed he kept organizing his defence even as their confidence dipped. The scoreline flattered Liverpool more than it exposed Henderson individually.

Defenders

Axel Disasi - 5.5: Disasi had a night of constant fire‑fighting. He produced several strong clearances and blocks, especially in the first half under corner pressure. However, he struggled at times to track Liverpool's rotating attackers in the box. We noticed he conceded multiple corners under fairly routine pressure, which kept Palace pinned back. On the ball, he was actually tidy, rarely wasting passes from deep. A respectable defensive shift, but not enough to stem the tide.

Jefferson Lerma - 6: Lerma fought hard, maybe too hard at times, in that hybrid defensive role. He won plenty of duels and aerials, which we definitely noticed from up high. Yet his yellow card and repeated fouls broke Palace's rhythm and invited danger. With the ball, he kept play moving but rarely penetrated Liverpool's shape. His late long‑range effort tested Alisson, showing he still carried some threat. Overall, effort was high, but discipline and influence were inconsistent.

Chris Richards - 6.5: Richards had one of those games where he did many things right but still lost 3-0. His aerial presence on defensive set pieces was crucial in limiting Liverpool's tally. We saw him come close at the other end with a late header wide. Positionally, he generally read danger well, stepping out at the right moments. Still, Liverpool's third goal exploited gaps that the entire line must share blame for. His individual display, though, edges slightly above some teammates.

Midfielders

Tyrick Mitchell - 6.5: Mitchell's attacking output caught our eye more than usual. He delivered a few dangerous crosses, including the one that saw Pino hit the bar. Defensively, he had mixed fortunes, sometimes winning big duels, sometimes conceding cheap fouls. We noticed his engine never really dropped, constantly shuttling up and down the flank. However, he struggled to track Liverpool's overloads on his side after the break. A brave, if imperfect, performance in a demanding role.

Adam Wharton - 6.5: Wharton quietly stitched a lot of Palace's play together. His passing between the lines caused Liverpool issues in short bursts. The through ball for Nketiah's big chance was a highlight. Defensively, he competed well in duels, though he did get dribbled past a couple of times. He also picked up a few fouls as he tried to disrupt transitions. In a heavy defeat, he still showed composure and potential.

Quinten Timber - 6.5: Timber's performance was full of intent but lacked the finishing touch. He fired several efforts from range and made clever runs into half‑spaces. One especially dangerous shot was blocked at a key moment in the first half. We noticed his work rate tracking back on Kerkez, which helped protect the flank. However, his decision‑making in and around the box sometimes felt rushed. Substituted just after the hour, he can feel slightly unlucky not to have a goal or assist.

Óscar Mingueza - 6.5: Mingueza started aggressively, committing early fouls but also driving Palace forward. His cross for Pino's first‑half header was delightful, showing real delivery quality. We saw him combine nicely down the right, though his passing risk sometimes backfired. Defensively, he conceded cheap free kicks that stalled Palace's momentum. As Liverpool grew into the game, he looked more stretched and eventually was withdrawn. A high‑energy display that perhaps lacked control in crucial phases.

Forwards

Yéremy Pino - 7: Pino was Palace's brightest attacking spark despite the defeat. He constantly attacked the half‑spaces, finding shots from both central and wide zones. Hitting the bar early on felt like a sliding‑doors moment in this match. His crossing and set‑piece involvement created multiple headed chances for teammates. However, he also lost possession often and picked up a yellow for a clumsy foul. Still, his intent and threat justify one of the higher Palace ratings.

Daichi Kamada - 6.5: Kamada found pockets of space cleverly, linking midfield and attack with subtle movement. He had a big chance saved by Alisson that could have changed the game. We noticed his weight of pass into runners like Timber was generally excellent. Without the ball he sometimes drifted, leaving Wharton exposed centrally. His overall impact faded as Liverpool tightened their shape after going 2-0 up. A neat but slightly frustrating display, full of almost moments.

Jørgen Strand Larsen - 6: Larsen battled away up top but rarely dominated his duels. He had one effort blocked and struggled to escape the attentions of Jacquet and Van Dijk. We saw him win some free kicks that relieved pressure and allowed Palace to push up. However, he drifted out of the game before being replaced by Nketiah. His pressing was honest, yet Liverpool's defenders often played around him comfortably. Overall, an industrious but limited outing.

Substitutes

Darío Osorio - 6.5: Osorio injected some fresh energy and direct running from the flank. His cross to Pino for a late chance nearly brought Palace back into it. We noticed his willingness to drive at defenders, even at 2-0 down. Defensively, he tracked back reasonably well, though he also conceded a couple of fouls. In limited minutes, he at least shifted the momentum slightly in Palace's favour.

Eddie Nketiah - 6: Nketiah's missed chance from close range felt huge to us in the away end. He found a brilliant position but dragged the shot just wide under pressure. His movement was lively, constantly trying to dart across the front post. Still, he struggled to impose himself physically against Liverpool's centre‑backs. That one big miss inevitably drags his rating down.

Dwight McNeil - 6: McNeil came on very late and had little time to reshape events. He offered width and a couple of crosses from the left, but nothing decisive. We noticed his work rate in tracking back more than his attacking contributions. With the game effectively gone, his cameo felt more like minutes management. Hard to judge him too severely on such a small sample.

Anan Khalaili - 6: Khalaili's introduction mirrored McNeil's: late, hopeful, and ultimately ineffective. He did try to drift into central pockets looking for the ball. Liverpool, however, managed the final minutes professionally and gave him little space. We saw one promising run shut down quickly by Kerkez and Mac Allister. Another cameo that will barely register in the broader narrative.

Manager

P. Sage - 5.5: Sage set his team up to attack, and for 30 minutes it worked. Palace created enough chances to at least level the game before Mac Allister's goal. However, in‑game adjustments felt slow once Liverpool began exploiting spaces in transition. The defensive structure at set pieces, especially against Szoboszlai's delivery, looked worryingly fragile. Substitutions added some energy but didn't radically alter the tactical picture. In the end, Sage's plan felt brave but naïve against such a ruthless opponent.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Man of the Match: Dominik Szoboszlai (9.0/10)

Dominik Szoboszlai earned Man of the Match with a 9.0 rating. His inswinging free-kick found Mac Allister’s head for the 40th-minute opener, and his corners created Araujo’s chance at 45+3' and Jacquet’s header on 29. Some early deliveries missed, but he also forced a save from Henderson on 14 before making way for Trey Nyoni on 69.

Worst Player in Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Axel Disasi (5.5/10)

Palace defender Axel Disasi was the lowest-rated player on the pitch at 5.5/10. His poor clearance fell to Barcola on 4 minutes, though he recovered to block Isak, and he was penalised for a shove on Isak on 8. He was part of a back three that Liverpool opened up for three goals.