Crystal Palace analysis: Aaron Wan-Bissaka red card merely a bump along the road as hosts impress against Liverpool

Sending off was a red mark on an otherwise impressive display
REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Giuseppe Muro20 August 2018

Crystal Palace suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in their first home game of the 2018-19 Premier League season.

A first-half penalty converted by James Milner set Jurgen Klopp's side on their way with a late goal from Sadio Mane sealing all three points for the visitors.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the next Palace prodigy of the production line, impressed after being handed another start at right-back but was shown a straight red card in what was the only blotch on his copy book tonight.

Standard Sport’s Giuseppe Muro casts an eye of analysis over Palace’s defeat at Selhurst Park.

Wan bump on a promising road to the top

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off but he again showed why many people at Palace believe he can one day play for England.

The 20-year-old right-back produced another outstanding display and the on-looking Gareth Southgate would have been impressed with what he saw. The red card was the right decision but it did not take away from a good performance defensively and going forward. It is still early days but an England Under-21 call up now seems certain

In Pictures | Crystal Palace vs Liverpool | 20/08/2018

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Palace paid the penalty

Palace will feel hard done by about the award of the Liverpool penalty and the decision will again lead to call for VAR to be introduced in the Premier League.

Photo: AP
AP

There appeared little contact from Mamadou Sakho on Mohamed Salah but referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. After the success of VAR at the World Cup it is surely only a matter of time before the technology is introduced in the Premier League. But without out Palace were left to rue what was a soft decision.

​Benteke’s struggles in front of goal continue

Christian Benteke’s struggles in front of goal continue. The forward worked hard against his former club alongside Wilfried Zaha but he still looks short of confidence in front of goal.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Benteke scored just three goals in the Premier League last season and when he got into a good position in the second half his shot nearly went out for a throw in. He was taken off late on.

Signs of promise amid defeat

Defeat for Palace does not take away from what was another promising display by the Eagles after their win at Fulham on the opening weekend. Roy Hodgson’s side defended well before the Liverpool and looked good going forward. Liverpool look set to push Manchester City close in the title race this season and Palace matched them for long periods. Good signs for Palace as they look to avoid another relegation scrap.

No Selhurst fright-night

There was a different feel to Selhurst Park because the Holmesdale Fanatics, the group of Palace fans in the corner of the ground who help create a raucous atmosphere, were not be at the match as an organised group. It was the first home game in 13 years that the HF were not in attendance. The atmosphere inside Selhurst Park was still good but you did notice their absence.

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