Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a surprise blow when Crystal Palace defeated them 1-0 at Anfield.

Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal put Jurgen Klopp’s side two points behind Arsenal, but if they beat Aston Villa, the gap could be increased to three.

Palace started brilliantly, scoring the only goal of the game after just 12 minutes, with Eze neatly finishing off a flowing move down the left side.

The Reds created numerous chances as they attempted to respond, but Curtis Jones squandered the best of them by shooting off target when one-on-one.

Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a shock blow after they lost to Crystal Palace

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

Alisson Becker –Caught cold with the goal Palace scored, but showed his outstanding qualities in the second half with a fantastic save from Mateta – 6

Conor Bradley – A revelation since his introduction to the team, his afternoon ended prematurely, with an injury forcing his substitution early in the second half – 6

Ibrahima Konate – His ball control was subpar, and Klopp let him on several occasions. Positioning for Palace’s goal was not as it should have been – 5

Virgil van Dijk – When a slip nearly resulted in a second Palace goal, Robertson saved the day. Not overly long, but not one of his best days either – 6

Robertson was a one-man army at times, and his energy in clearing off the line was spectacular.

Andy Robertson –At times, he was like a one-man army, with incredible energy to get back and clear of his own goal line. The best of his side’s bunch – 7 

Alexis Mac Allister – Worked hard but struggled to dominate anything in the center of the pitch in one of his most disappointing outings in red so far – 5.5

Wataru Endo – Hasn’t looked the same since he missed the Sheffield United match with a knock and was withdrawn at half-time after struggling again – 5

Curtis Jones – His attitude was admirable, but he will be haunted by two missed chances in the second half that could have changed the game  – 5

Luis Diaz – Thought a flying volley in the first half had brought Liverpool back into it, but he was one of many who found Henderson an immovable object – 6.5

Darwin Nunez – One of those erratic afternoons when you think he is going to burst into life but eventually fails to find a way through – 5

Another erratic afternoon for Darwin Nunez but he ultimately failed to find a way through

Mohamed Salah – Another player who is missing his old sparkle, and his performance was summarized when he was denied a tap-in from close range – 5

Mohamed Salah is missing his old sparkle and he saw a clear-cut chance late on blocked

Subs

Dominik Szoboszlai (for Endo 46mins) – The spectacular early displays seem so far away right now – 5

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Bradley 50mins) – Back from injury, but appeared rusty  – 5

Cody Gakpo (for Diaz 67mins) – A couple of good balls into the area, but insufficient influence – 5

Diogo Jota (for Nunez 67mins) – Usually prolific, but squandered two great opportunities – 5

Harvey Elliott (for Jones 83mins)

Manager

Jurgen Klopp – In the final minutes, he looked absolutely crestfallen because he knew a goal would not come and that a dream was dying – 5