- Crystal Palace beaten by Liverpool at Anfield
- Daniel Munoz scored controversial goal
- Ex-Everton defender defends Colombian
Crystal Palace suffered a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, but the main talking point was Daniel Munoz’s goal. The Colombian got the Eagles back into the game in the 71st minute, but in controversial fashion.
Reds ‘ goalkeeper Freddie Woodman went down injured, but play wasn’t halted. Munoz capitalised, chipping the ball over the fallen shot-stopper and several defenders and into the back of an empty net.
The hosts were furious, including Arne Slot, who had words for the fourth official on the touchline. Every time Munoz touched the ball, he was heavily booed by the Kop at Anfield.
There was no reason for Munoz to stop playing, given the referee didn’t intervene, and like any outfied player, he was well within his rights to play on. But his goal infuriated Liverpool who felt he lacked sportsmanship.
‘Entitled to Have His Shot’
Former Everton defender Ashley Williams offered his opinion, siding with the Colombian wing-back. He said on BBC Sport’s Final Score:
“There will be a lot of chatter around it but if the referee hasn’t blown his whistle, Daniel Munoz is entitled to have his shot into an empty goal. So I don’t know where that one would stand.”
A feisty response from fans prevented Munoz from taking a throw-in minutes later. It led to a nervy finish for the Merseyside giants, and Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the post, albeit from an offside position.
Palace Lose at Anfield
Munoz’s goal was in vain as Palace fell to defeat against Liverpool for the first time this season. Slot’s men took the lead through Alexander Isak in the 35th minute.
They added a second in the 40th minute through a counter-attacking move finished off by Andy Robertson. Munoz gave the visitors hope with his contentious strike.
But Florian Wirtz sealed all three points for the home side, firing a superb finish past Dean Henderson in the 90+6th minute. That ultimately ends Palace’s hopes of qualifying for Europe through the league and all focus will be on the UEFA Conference League.
