Liverpool maintained their 100% start with a hard-fought 0-2 win at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
The Reds were made were made to work for their victory. James Milner, just before half-time, gave Jurgen Klopp’s men the lead from the penalty spot before Sadio Mane secured all three points in the final seconds.
Mane’s goal meant he’s now scored in three successive league meetings with Palace who suffered their first loss of 2018/19 and ended the game with 10 men after promising youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka was shown a straight red late on.
So, after another incident-filled meeting between the Eagles and their Merseyside foes, here are five things we learned.
1. Milner ensures no more squabbling between Mane and Salah
In Jordan Henderson’s absence the role of Liverpool captain has been assumed by James Milner who by every definition is a leader.
Those qualities shone during a pre-season friendly against Manchester United when he defused a situation between forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane from spilling over.
Both, hungry to score, fought over a penalty. Milner, quick to notice, showcased his mediating qualities and subsequently guided Salah away leaving the kick for Mane.
A while ago now, it’s still fresh in the memory, and must have resurfaced when Salah won a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
However, this time there was no chance of any squabbling as Milner converted, and in the process becomes the first player to score eight consecutive Premier League penalties.
2. Klopp finally makes it a double
Since being installed as Liverpool boss in October 2015 Jurgen Klopp has never managed to win the club’s opening two matches of a Premier League season – that was until now.
A stellar 4-0 home win over West Ham, which put the entire league on notice, has been backed up a narrow 0-1 success in south London. A new feeling for the affable German tactician.
His first campaign, which started in gameweek nine of 2015/16, saw a goalless draw at White Hart Lane against Spurs followed by a 1-1 draw with Southampton at Anfield.
The following season (2016/17) began with an incredible 3-4 win over Arsenal at the Emirates but the Reds would be humbled 2-0 at Turf Moor by Sean Dyche Burnley.
As for last season (2017/18) it was a case of a 3-3 draw away to Watford followed by a narrow 1-0 win at home against Palace.
3. Tomkins-Sakho undermined
It’s been widely said that a good central defensive partnership will often be the difference between success and failure.
Palace, who remarkably staved off relegation last season and now looking to push on, has seen one of their own being forged.
On their own James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho have received their fair share of praise, but together they’re starting to look formidable, and the numbers back them up.
Tonight was the 18th time Tomkins and Sakho have started alongside each other. In those previous outings the Eagles would secure 12 wins and draw the other five.
But, all good things must come to an end, that being said the Palace faithful mustn’t feel dejected.
4. Hodgson reaches an unwanted century
Monday evening’s showdown at Selhurst Park, against his former club, was the 254th Premier League match Roy Hodgson presided over.
Since taking charge at Blackburn in 1997 he’s enjoyed spells at Fulham, West Brom, Liverpool and his boyhood club Palace.
To date, Hodgson’s best finish was guiding Fulham to seventh place in 2008/09, the only time he’s ended a campaign in the top half.
So, understandably, given the calibre of clubs the ex-England boss has been in charge of there have been more losses than victories (87).
Liverpool’s victory is the 100th defeat Hodgson has tasted and consequently means Palace still yet to win their opening home fixture of a Premier League season.
5. Van Dijk dominates
There are many qualities to Virgil van Dijk’s game that makes him one of the very best centre-backs in Premier League football.
His strategic thinking, for example, the way he organises Liverpool’s defence with a ‘take no prisoners’ mentality.
No one on the pitch won more aerial duels (8) than Van Dijk.
Another is his ability to smoothly bring the ball out of defence and starting attacks which those in attendance at Selhurst Park witnessed.
Only the adventures Andrew Robertson (79) attempted as many passes as than the Dutchman, again most by anyone, whose stature continues to grow with each passing game.
Also, by keeping another shutout, Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to concede this season.
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