Jota goal puts ‘sensational’ Reds ahead after early scare

Diogo Jota’s fourth goal of the season on his 100th start for his side gave Liverpool the lead at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

After a first-minute Eddie Nketiah goal for Palace was ruled out for offside, Kostas Tsimikas sent Cody Gakpo away on the left, whose cross met Jota’s run to allow the Portugal international to fire in.

“We’ve seen it so many times this season,” former Leeds forward Lucy Ward told TNT Sports. “It’s slow, slow, slow, and then quick.

“When it’s quick, they all go. Jota is arriving late in behind [Trevoh] Chalobah; I don’t think Chalobah knew that he was going to nick in front of him.”

Liverpool take the lead against Crystal Palace through Diogo Jota 💥

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2024

Palace vs Liverpool: Jota goal

“That’s a terrific move,” added Ward. “[Virgil] Van Dijk has a look [at passing options] and Gakpo decides to go. It’s not offside. It’s a great little ball from Tsimikas.

“Jota is not first [in line] to get there – it’s just about his attitude to nick in front, and then it’s a great little finish with the outside of his foot.”

Premier League table

Liverpool will move four points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table if they win, although their nearest rivals will play a game in hand each when the reigning champions host Fulham and the Gunners welcome Southampton later in the day (both 3pm BST).

Palace are yet to win in six top-flight games this season and will be in the bottom three if they lose, two points above Saints and Wolves.

Crystal Palace almost took the lead against Liverpool 25 seconds into the match 🤯

The goal was instantly ruled out for offside 🫠

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2024

Palace ‘disjointed’ vs Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole said Palace’s defence looked “disjointed” and praised the runs being made by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“It looks like they’re dropping into a back five,” he said of the Eagles. “When they do that, they’re going back into a low block and trying to get aggressive. But Liverpool have been sensational.

“At the moment, it looks like Palace haven’t decided on how they’re going to defend. It could be a long afternoon for them. Crystal Palace have to do something different here or the game is going to run away from them.

“Liverpool have been fantastic at breaking it open. Their movement has been superb – particularly Jota, he’s occupying all three of their central defenders.”