CRYSTAL PALACE END LIVERPOOL STREAK

Liverpool manager Arne Slot lauded Crystal Palace as worthy 2-1 victors after the Premier League title-holders' perfect start to the season was derailed to a shuddering halt at Selhurst Park.
Slot's side had won all seven of their Premier League, Champions League and League Cup games since being defeated by Palace in a penalty shootout in the Community Shield last month.

But a rejuvenated Liverpool, rebuilt for almost £450m ($602m) in the transfer market, have hovered on the verge of an implosion only to be saved by a series of late goals.
Ismaila Sarr's ninth-minute goal was paltry reward for Palace's superior first half as only a series of saves by Alisson Becker kept the visitors at bay.
It seemed Liverpool might go south London with a draw when Federico Chiesa levelled with another late goal.

But the Reds were denied in stoppage time when Eddie Nketiah smashed in.

"If one set of players deserved to come away from today and get something it was Palace," said Slot.
"Palace's credit - with the Community Shield it's not the first time we've beaten them.".
"They ought to have been two or three ahead at half-time."

In addition to the Community Shield, Liverpool have only maintained two clean sheets in nine matches this season.
Slot was particularly outraged by the defending for the winner as Jeremie Frimpong lost his focus to leave Nketiah alone on the back post.

"We can only blame ourselves for the manner in which we defended," added Slot.
"One of our players had wandered off because he wanted to play a counter-attack, which was pointless because time was up, so it was just a case of defending."
"Individual player was too attack-minded at that stage, and that led to them winning the game and us losing."

Palace are the only remaining undefeated team in the Premier League.
Dating back to prior to their FA Cup win last season, the Eagles are 18 games unbeaten in all competitions.

"These are the moments why we love football. The supporters will have a great Saturday night now," said Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
"We deserved it. Great performance, great game, great victory."

Glasner has transformed Palace's fortunes over the past 18 months, but believes his side's first-half performance was a new high.
"I think the first half was the best since we arrived," he said.
"Being in control of the champions by a single goal you always think they can come and get back at you and we were under enormous pressure in the second half.
"But even when they equalised and momentum can change we kept our heads. It was such a team effort."