Match Report: 10-man Liverpool Defeat the Odds to Infuriate Pardew's Palace

Alan Pardew was an immensely displeased figure in his post match conference at Selhurst Park. Outraged and bewildered by the officials' decision to award the away side with a last minute penalty, Pardew spoke about the controversial call, which ended the game in dramatic fashion.

“The linesman assumes that little touch is a penalty. He [Benteke] makes the most of it. If you think that touch affects the fall he makes you seriously need to have another look. It’s an issue that people need to have a look at it the game.”

Christian Benteke calmly dispatched from the spot in the 96th minute to secure a winner for the ten men of Liverpool, resulting in an eighth defeat in ten in the league for The Eagles. Initially, waved away by Andre Marriner as a goal kick, assistant Scott Ledger suggested the referee change his decision and award the controversial spot kick.

Arguably Pardew will be more aggrieved with his side's inability to see out a victory given their numerical advantage, being a goal to the good at the time. James Milner was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 62nd minute following a senseless and over-eager tackle.

Joe Ledley put Palace ahead shortly after the break following a cagey first half. Liverpool once again showed their defensive frailties during a set-piece, an area which Klopp has tried to address numerous times over the course of the season. Liverpool had several attempts to clear the ball to safety, pinballing around in the box before eventually falling to Ledley, who fired in a low effort to give his side the lead.

Having lost only one of their last five against Liverpool, the South Londoners would have been confident they could secure three points and further build on their growing reputation as the Merseysiders' 'bogey' team.

Winless in 11 (now 12), the emphasis was now on Palace to secure a result, but they failed to take advantage. Instead it was Jürgen Klopp ‘s team, very much the ‘underdogs’ following Milner's dismissal, who took the greater risks and started to dictate proceedings.

Klopp, having brought off Jon Flanagan moments before the red card to chase the game, decided to revert to a disjointed back three of Mamadou Sakho, Emre Can and Dejan Lovren, and even a back two at times as Can was allowed the freedom to maraud forward at will. All three defended adequately, with Lovren claiming the Sky man of the match award and Can the highest WhoScored rating (8.20) having completed 5 dribbles, 3 tackles and 4 interceptions. The German was seemingly everywhere on the pitch in what was a domineering display.

Liverpool continued to press high up and took advantage of a crucial mistake by Alex McCarthy in the 72nd minute to level the match. The stand-in keeper slipped under the pressure of Divock Origi, passing the ball to the feet of Roberto Firmino, who gratefully took the chance to slot past the young English keeper. The Brazilian has now scored 7 goals in his last 8 Premier League appearances as he continues to improve having adapted to the league.

Liverpool had 9 attempts on goal prior to the sending off, failing to hit the target with any of their shots in that period, but managed 10 shots with 10 men, with 5 of those attempts on target.

Christian Benteke was brought on in place of Origi, and while some may have questioned the decision to put on the out-of-form striker ahead of Daniel Sturridge, the Belgian repaid the manager’s faith with an impressive cameo. The Belgian found a yard of space in the box from a corner, and nearly gave his club the lead with his first touch, but McCarthy was grateful to clutch onto his effort.

Alberto Moreno came agonisingly close shortly after, as the Spaniard smashed the inside of the post having struck the ball sweetly from 30 yards out. It was the £32m striker who would go on to have the final word, as his touch took the ball away from Damien Delaney in the box, who slid in carelessly, and although he tried to retract his attempt at a tackle, his knee caught Benteke’s foot in stride, which proved enough of an invitation to prompt a fall. Benteke stepped up to the plate and casually passed the ball into the net to send the travelling support into raptures.

Benteke has come under much criticism since his transfer, and has already been heavily linked with a move away this summer, but the Belgian has had a significant effect at times this season, having scored four winning goals in the Premier League. Liverpool now have recorded 3 consecutive wins in the league for the first time this season, building an unlikely case for a top 4 finish. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's defeat means they've emerged as a potential, albeit unlikely relegation candidate following a strong start to the season.

Was Andre Marriner right to award Liverpool a penalty? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below