Nketiah Strikes Late as Crystal Palace Shock Liverpool at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace brought Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season to an abrupt end with a dramatic 2-1 victory on Saturday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Eddie Nketiah.

The Reds arrived at Selhurst Park brimming with confidence after five straight wins, but Oliver Glasner’s men had other plans. Palace dominated the first half with intensity and flair, carving Liverpool open on several occasions. Truthfully, the Eagles could have been out of sight by halftime, but they only had Ismaila Sarr’s clinical finish to show for it.

Liverpool, as champions often do, found a way back. Federico Chiesa came off the bench to grab the equalizer in the second half, swinging momentum back toward the visitors. For a moment, it felt like the champions were about to turn the tide and snatch another late win.

But football, in its cruel beauty, had a twist reserved for Palace. In the 98th minute, Nketiah pounced with ice-cool precision to fire home the winner, sending Selhurst Park into absolute bedlam.

This wasn’t just three points for Crystal Palace—it was a statement. Glasner’s side showed belief, resilience, and courage against one of Europe’s finest. For Liverpool, it was a reminder that even the champions are mortal; every stumble in this marathon of a season matters.

Opinion:
What makes this game so fascinating is not just the result, but the story it tells. Palace didn’t just beat Liverpool—they earned respect. They played without fear, pressed with intent, and punished lapses in concentration. This is the kind of performance that shifts perception: from mid-table hopefuls to genuine disruptors.

For Liverpool, there’s no shame in losing to a side that simply wanted it more on the day. Yet, Arne Slot will know that champions are judged by how quickly they bounce back. A single defeat can be shrugged off, but the character of a title defence is written in the response.

And so, the narrative continues: Palace soaring with belief, Liverpool plotting redemption, and the rest of us blessed to witness a Premier League season that refuses to be predictable.