Alisson issues perfect final response
Being made aware they wouldn’t be starting a forthcoming cup final can never be regarded the ideal preparation for any player.
Alisson Becker, though, responded in trademark fashion here.
In truth, while the Brazilian featured in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, Caoimhin Kelleher, who was back between the sticks in the return game last Thursday, has long been accepted first choice in the competition.
The Premier League is a different matter. And while Kelleher has become a genuine contender, Alisson is very much the man in possession.
While his ability on the ball is impressive, it’s in preventing the ball going into the net for which he has earned his deserved lofty reputation.
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And Selhurst Park saw a timely reminder of why Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
The range of saves was astonishing, from a solid block from Michael Olise to a full-stretch dive down low to keep out Odsonne Edouard’s cheeky backheel.
Even when an offside flag would have rendered the play meaningless, Alisson produced an outrageous stop to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta first half.
And in his best moment, the goalkeeper, initially in danger of being caught out, backpedalled before leaping to claw out Olise’s lob, colliding heavily with the post in the process.
No pain, no gain. And Liverpool have Alisson to thank for a big, big three points.
Van Dijk highlights corner truth
Back in the days of paper, pens and no social media, 1980s football fans began to express their views more prominently through fanzines.
One such publication by Liverpool supporters was called Another Wasted Corner, the title referencing the feeling at the time that, even as silverware was scooped up, set-pieces were being relentlessly spurned.
Perception would have it the present Anfield side aren’t much better.
Facts, though, tell a different story. And when Virgil van Dijk arrived unmarked at the near post to power home Andy Robertson’s corner for the opener, it was Liverpool’s ninth goal from a corner in the Premier League this season.
No other side had managed more although, given the quality of Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the return should be higher.
Van Dijk now has the most Premier League goals by a defender since making his Liverpool debut in January 2018.
But just as important was his work at the other end as Palace threatened a comeback during the second half.
Yes, Jean-Philippe Mateta found a way through to set up Odsonne Edouard, but the Reds’ faith in their high line – marshalled by Van Dijk – usually caught out the home side, much to the frustration of their faithful.
And when Palace went long, Van Dijk was often there to head clear. At both ends of the pitch, the Dutchman is now underlining what the Reds sorely missed last season.
Ox revels as Minamino concern grows
This was supposed to be the month when Liverpool, shorn of their Africa Cup of Nations stars, saw their season hit the buffers.
Yet Jurgen Klopp’s side head into the mid-winter break very much in contention on all four fronts.
The ability to absorb the loss of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah – all with Divock Origi also absent – has been a chief factor in closing the gap on City, booking a Carabao Cup final place and maintaining interest in the FA Cup.
Key has been the contribution of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, back fit and here again shifted to the right wing after a series of encouraging showings in central midfield.
As against Brentford last weekend, he was on hand at the far post to convert an Andy Robertson cross and put Liverpool two goals ahead.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain is benefiting from rhythm, then Takumi Minamino, who replaced the 28-year-old on the hour, continues to scramble for game time.
January was his time to shine. Instead, the Japan international made just one start while admittedly scoring from the bench last week.
With Mane and Salah back by the time the Premier League resumes on February 10 against Leicester City, the FA Cup visit of Cardiff City in a fortnight represents a likely final chance for Minamino to make a mark. His Liverpool future may depend on it.
