Liverpool player ratings: Ryan Gravenberch runs the show in midfield as half-time sub struggles to make an impact
LIVERPOOL triumphed at Selhurst Park in the early slot loathed by their former boss Jurgen Klopp.
The German often grumbled about 12:30 kick offs, but his successor Arne Slot has a wholly different attitude.
And the Dutchman was positively loving the early start when Diogo Jota gave his side the lead after just nine minutes.
Following the Reds’ 1-0 triumph, here’s how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated each Liverpool performer on the day.
ALISSON – 7
Smart low save to foil Ismaila Sarr at the end of the first half after being a virtual spectator for 45 minutes.
Second-half saves from Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah before hamstring twanged to spark major concerns
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7
Took advantage of Palace’s lack of threat to maraud forward and into the middle.
Dead ball delivery was on the money, too.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 7
Rarely flustered as Liverpool kept the home side at arm’s length and knew when to bring his physicality to bear.
Will have tougher lunchtimes in the club canteen.
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VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 8
Calm as ever and barely got out of first gear as he neutralised Palace’s limited danger with positional and tactical intelligence.
Lucky to escape punishment for his wrist-pull on Marc Guehi.
KOSTAS TSIMIKAS – 7
Greek defender was targeted early on but played his part in the opener.
Settled down and unruffled for much of what followed.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 8
Patrolled deep and able to set the tempo from midfield with impunity.
He looks utterly at home and comfortable in a Liverpool shirt now although one mistake might have been punished.
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER – 7
Spotted the gaps in the Palace rearguard from the start with his constant movement into space to create clever passing angles.
Booking might have been a reason for his replacement at the break.
MOHAMED SALAH – 7
Sharp intakes of breath from home fans whenever he got the ball told the story.
Even when not at his best he creates menace but a surprising substitution.
CURTIS JONES – 6
Slotted into the middle on his first Prem start of the season.
Might have wanted to make more impact but did little wrong.
CODY GAKPO – 7
Supplied the opener with a smart run and low cross from the left but left frustrated afterwards.
Somewhat unlucky to be booked for a skirmish with Sarr and always available.
DIOGO JOTA – 6
Cold-blooded finish to get Liverpool on their way.
Missed a similar chance before half-time and a simple header after the break.
SUBSTITUTES
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Mac Allister, 46) – 6
Struggled to make an initial impact after replacing Mac Allister but influence grew as the game wore on and tested Henderson with one effort.
Luis Diaz (for Salah, 73) – 5
Colombian went right when he came on for Salah rather than his usual role on the other flank.
Andrew Robertson (for Tsimikas, 79) – 6
On to shore things up at the back as the introductions of Will Hughes and Jean-Philippe Mateta finally gave Palace some attacking impetus
Vitezslav Jaros (for Alisson, 79) – 6
Czech keeper would have been excused for being nervous at being summoned with a few minutes to go but delighted that Eze shot straight at him when in on goal.
Wataru Endo – (for Jones, 89) – 5
Barely time to make any real impact but helped see out the win.