Slot points the finger as Liverpool freeze late at Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park under the lights can turn even the steadiest title defence into a wobble, and that’s exactly what befell Liverpool as Crystal Palace pinched it 2-1 with a 97th‑minute sting in the tail. The Reds’ perfect Premier League start is gone, while the Eagles stretched their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions. On balance, you couldn’t argue they didn’t earn it.

Palace make the running

Palace set the tone early, with Ismaila Sarr nudging them in front after a bright start from the home side. Liverpool huffed and puffed but never found their customary rhythm. Even when Federico Chiesa nicked a late leveller to continue his habit of clutch moments, Palace stayed on the front foot and, right at the death, Eddie Nketiah tucked away the winner to send South London bouncing.

Slot’s post‑match sting

Arne Slot didn’t sugar‑coat it afterwards. He lamented the defensive decision‑making in stoppage time, pointing out that one player broke the structure hunting a counter when the only job was to lock the door. Game state matters: with the clock in the red, you defend first and leave the swashbuckling for another day. Lose your shape at Selhurst and you pay, and Liverpool paid.

Frimpong in the spotlight

Both The Athletic and The Mirror reported that the player Slot alluded to was Jeremie Frimpong. It tracks with the tactical picture: at Bayer Leverkusen, the Dutchman was essentially a winger from wing‑back in Xabi Alonso’s back three; at Liverpool he’s in a back four, where the margin for freelancing is razor thin. Step out at the wrong moment and the space behind you becomes an open invitation—exactly what Palace exploited in that fateful finale.

Lessons for the champions

Let’s be clear: Liverpool will shake this off. But it’s a useful jolt. Control hasn’t been consistent enough, and when they can’t suffocate games, they leave themselves exposed to chaos. Slot’s message was plain: be brave, yes, but be streetwise. Protect the point, then pinch the win—don’t gift the opposition a final act.

For context, Palace bossed long stretches; had Chiesa’s equaliser salvaged a draw, the hosts would’ve felt hard done by. So the table doesn’t lie here. Liverpool need tighter game management and a cooler head in stoppage time if they’re to retain their crown.

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There’s no crisis at Anfield—just a timely reminder that details decide titles. Next up, all eyes on how Slot balances Frimpong’s attacking thrust with the defensive discipline a back four demands. Solve that riddle, and this bump in South London will be remembered as a useful lesson rather than a turning point.