Eddie Nketiah struck with virtually the final kick at Selhurst Park to hand Crystal Palace a dramatic 2-1 win and bring Premier League leaders Liverpool’s perfect start to the season to an abrupt halt.
Federico Chiesa had levelled late on for the champions with an 87th-minute equaliser that looked set to rescue a point from an otherwise dismal performance.
But in the seventh minute of added time, Nketiah slid in at the back post to clinch victory, lifting Palace into second place.
Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring in the ninth minute, bundling home after Liverpool failed to deal with a corner.
Palace dominated the first half and should have been further ahead, only denied by Alisson’s brilliance and the frame of the goal.
The Brazilian goalkeeper produced fine saves from Yeremy Pino, Daniel Muñoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta, while the French striker also struck the woodwork after a sweeping move.
Liverpool improved after the break, with Dean Henderson tipping Ryan Gravenberch’s drive onto the post and denying Florian Wirtz from close range.
Record £125m signing Alexander Isak spurned a golden opportunity on his full league debut, dragging wide when through on goal.
When Chiesa pounced late on, it seemed Liverpool would once again salvage a result.
But Nketiah provided the sting in the tail, his strike confirmed after a VAR check showed Gravenberch’s foot had kept him onside.
Oliver Glasner’s men extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 matches, equalling a club record set in 1969.
Palace supporters jokingly sang about winning the league, but their side thoroughly deserved the victory.
Despite losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, the Eagles still boast quality across the pitch.
Marc Guehi marshalled the defence, Adam Wharton controlled midfield, and the attack repeatedly tore into Liverpool’s fragile backline. Only Alisson prevented a heavier defeat.
Glasner’s team, buoyed by last season’s FA Cup triumph, look composed, dangerous, and fully at home near the top of the table.
Their unbeaten league run after six games is no accident.
Arne Slot’s side have been living dangerously all season, relying on late goals to dig them out of trouble, but this time there was no escape.
Their first-half defending was chaotic, with Ibrahima Konaté enduring a nightmare.
Even after a stronger second half, their play lacked fluency and composure.
Chiesa’s equaliser offered hope, but Nketiah’s late winner underlined the Reds’ vulnerability.
Big-money signings Isak and Wirtz continue to struggle.
Isak squandered a clear-cut chance before being substituted to mocking chants from Palace fans, while Wirtz shot straight at Henderson from six yards when he should have scored.
For Slot, this was arguably his team’s poorest display since taking over from Jürgen Klopp.
Given their shaky defending and reliance on late drama, some may feel this defeat had been coming.
That it arrived in stoppage time will sting even more.
