Nketiah’s Late Strike Ends Reds’ Perfect Start
Crystal Palace produced one of the most dramatic moments of the Premier League season so far with a 97th-minute winner to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The last-gasp strike from substitute Eddie Nketiah ended the reigning champions’ flawless run and left the Eagles as the only unbeaten side in England’s top flight.
The thrilling contest saw two of the league’s standout teams collide, with Oliver Glasner’s Palace extending their remarkable unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the 2025/26 campaign, despite late drama that initially looked set to salvage a point.
Early Lead for Crystal Palace
The hosts came flying out of the blocks and were rewarded just seven minutes into the game. Ismaila Sarr pounced on a defensive lapse from the Reds to fire home from close range following a well-worked corner routine. Liverpool, who had looked sharp in the opening weeks of the season, once again showed signs of fragility at the back—a weakness that Palace wasted no time in exploiting.
Jean-Philippe Mateta nearly doubled the advantage shortly after when his powerful strike rattled the post. The Eagles continued to dominate proceedings in the first half, carving out multiple chances that could have seen them go into the break with a more comfortable lead.
Liverpool Fight Back Late
Arne Slot’s side struggled to impose themselves for much of the contest. Despite their attacking firepower, clear opportunities were few and far between as Palace’s well-organized defense held firm.
It wasn’t until the dying stages of the game that Liverpool appeared to rescue a point. Substitute Federico Chiesa, who had only recently come off the bench, slotted home in the 87th minute to level the score at 1-1. The goal sparked celebrations among the traveling supporters, who believed their team’s resilience would once again be enough to extend their perfect start to the campaign.
Nketiah Steals the Show
However, Selhurst Park erupted deep into stoppage time. Eddie Nketiah, introduced late in the second half, found himself in the right place at the right moment to slot past Alisson and secure a famous 2-1 victory. The goal in the 97th minute capped off an unforgettable night for Palace and highlighted their ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
For Liverpool, the late heartbreak mirrored their own reliance on late goals this season—only this time, the script was flipped against them.
Contrasting Unbeaten Runs
The result brought an end to Liverpool’s five-match winning streak, which had positioned them as early title favorites. Prior to Saturday, the Reds were one of only four clubs across Europe’s top five leagues to boast a 100% record in the 2025/26 season.
Palace, on the other hand, continued a remarkable journey under Austrian boss Oliver Glasner. Their unbeaten run now stretches to 18 games, a sequence that began back in April. During that period, Palace defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final and edged Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield. Despite losing key players in recent transfer windows, Glasner has built one of the Premier League’s most resilient and tactically astute sides.
Implications for the Title Race
The defeat could have significant consequences for Liverpool’s title defense. Arne Slot’s men remain top of the table, but the gap is now vulnerable, with rivals eager to seize on any stumble. The reliance on late goals—a trend that had carried Liverpool through several tight contests—proved costly this time around.
For Palace, the win strengthens their growing reputation as dark horses for European qualification. With the Eagles sitting fifth in the league, belief is growing that this could be one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s history.
Selhurst Park Atmosphere and Reaction
The atmosphere inside Selhurst Park was electric as fans celebrated a memorable victory. Manager Oliver Glasner praised his players’ determination, describing the result as a testament to the squad’s mentality and work ethic.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted his side fell short but emphasized the importance of bouncing back quickly. “We can’t dwell on this result,” Slot said post-match. “The season is long, and we need to learn from tonight.”
What’s Next?
Liverpool will look to recover when they face Brighton next weekend, a match that now takes on added significance in the title race. Crystal Palace, full of confidence after their latest triumph, travel to Aston Villa as they aim to extend their unbeaten run even further.
With Palace emerging as the league’s surprise package and Liverpool suddenly showing cracks, the Premier League season has taken another fascinating twist.
