Liverpool extended their run to just one defeat in 16 matches in all competitions…
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool – The Reds responded brilliantly to a disappointing first-half scoreline, securing progress to the last eight of the FA Cup with victory at Selhurst Park.
SEE MORE:
Raheem Sterling will miss Liverpool’s FA Cup tie v Crystal Palace
Tom Werner talks Sterling contract, Champions League & praises Liverpool transfer committee
Five potential solutions to dealing with the loss of Steven Gerrard & Lucas Leiva
Frazier Campbell gave the home side an early lead, but after the introduction of Mario Balotelli at the break, Liverpool emerged for the second-half a changed team. Daniel Sturridge drew us level before Adam Lallana deservedly slammed in the winner!
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 8/10
Was unlucky with the goal, making a superb save to deny Dwight Gayle, only to find Frazier Campbell following up. He made one other excellent stop from Gayle with the score at 1-0, while he was also commanding in the air, catching and punching numerous Palace crosses.
RCB) Emre Can – 7/10
Another good day from the German, who once again proved his versatility when he was asked to move to wing-back at half-time. He needs to work on dealing with the long ball coming over the top, but other than that his game his astonishingly accomplished considering his age.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 5/10
The Slovakian was caught out of position for the goal, while he had a couple of other nervous moments – particularly in the first-half. He’s been in very good form recently, and everyone is allowed a bad day – thankfully his mini-dip in form didn’t matter today.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 8/10
Another solid performance from the Frenchman, who recovered from a worrying knock early in the second-half to put in a fine defensive display. He was given a lot to think about by Gayle and co, but deal with the threat superbly.
DM) Joe Allen – 8/10
The Welshman has copped a lot of criticism in recent weeks, but today he showed us what he can do. His passing was good throughout, and he was driving the team forward later in the second-half.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 9/10
The captain was simply superb today, playing the killer pass for Sturridge’s goal. If Allen was the driving force, Henderson was powering the engine room, working tirelessly up and down the pitch to ensure victory.
RM) Lazar Markovic – 6/10 (Balotelli – 46′)
The Serbian was surprisingly withdrawn at half-time in favour of Mario Balotelli. The youngster did little wrong inside the first 45 minutes, making several good runs and creating one half-chance for himself – unlucky.
LM) Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Moreno’s game today will be best remembered for his attempt at Sturridge’s celebration. However, the Spaniard had another decent game on the left-hand side of midfield, getting forward well in support of the attacks.
AM) Adam Lallana – 7/10
Took his goal well and will be pleased to play the full 90 minutes after recently returning from another injury issue. He looked good off the bench against Spurs, and produced more of the same today.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 7/10 (Lovren – 79′)
The Brazilian forced a couple of decent saves from Speroni before being replaced late on. As always, he oozed class in possession, playing an important role in turning the game around in the second-half. Balotelli’s introduction gave him more space and freedom, and he took full advantage.
ST) Daniel Sturridge – 8/10 (Lambert – 78′)
Took his goal brilliantly, and deserves an extra point for his celebration alone. His movement was excellent, while his close control was a joy to behold. Always looked a threat, and thankfully appears to be closing in on full fitness after his lengthy lay-off.
Subs:
1) Mario Balotelli – 7/10 – His free-kick directly led to Lallana’s goal, while his presence up front played a big part in our second-half comeback. The Italian even managed a smile!
2) Rickie Lambert – 5/10 – The big man had little time to make an impact.
3) Dejan Lovren – 6/10 – Helped sure up the back-line in the final minutes.
