Liverpool’s perfect Premier League start came to a crashing halt at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace sealed a dramatic 2-1 win. Michael Owen singled out Ibrahima Konate for criticism, accusing the French defender of being “lost” in a horror first-half display that cost the Reds dearly.
Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season on Saturday as Crystal Palace snatched a dramatic 97th-minute winner at Selhurst Park. The Reds had entered the clash with five wins from five, but their title charge hit its first bump thanks to Oliver Glasner’s fearless Palace side.
Palace extend unbeaten streak
The Eagles, now unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions, showcased the resilience that has seen them lift both the FA Cup and the Community Shield this year. Ismaila Sarr’s opener gave Palace a deserved first-half lead, and while Federico Chiesa equalised late on, substitute Eddie Nketiah struck in stoppage time to hand the hosts a famous 2-1 victory.
Palace’s win sees them climb to second in the Premier League table, just three points behind Liverpool, as their remarkable run under Glasner continues.
Owen blasts Konate’s performance
Speaking after the game, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen did not hold back in his assessment of Ibrahima Konate.
I mean, Konate in the first half didn’t know what he was doing,” Owen told SPORTbible. I can’t put it down to tiredness — we’ve seen one or two performances like that from him already this season. I’d give credit to Palace, but Liverpool’s defending wasn’t good enough.
Owen dismissed the idea that fatigue was an excuse, insisting Palace simply outplayed the Reds:
They rested players in midweek, so I wouldn’t blame it on tiredness. Palace were just excellent — they’ve beaten Liverpool in the Community Shield already, and it was no fluke.
Slot admits Reds’ set-piece weakness
Liverpool boss Arne Slot acknowledged that his team were second-best in the first half but felt they grew into the game. However, he pointed to defensive frailties from set-pieces as the decisive factor.
If you want to compete, you need a positive balance with set pieces, especially in this league,” Slot told the BBC. It was one of our biggest strengths last season, but now we’ve conceded too many from those situations.
Madrid links add pressure
The defeat comes at a challenging time for Konate, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid. Reports in Spain suggest Los Blancos are considering signing the Frenchman on a free transfer next summer, with William Saliba no longer an option after committing his long-term future to Arsenal.
Liverpool now face a crucial week with a Champions League trip to Galatasaray before visiting Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. For Konate, under the spotlight after Owen’s stinging criticism, the pressure to deliver has never been greater.
