Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool: Five Talking Points as the Reds scrape past the Eagles | Premier League 2021-22

3. Liverpool fullbacks help them cope without Salah and Mane

It was always a question of how Liverpool would survive this period without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Both players have been away on national duty at AFCON with Egypt and Senegal respectively. Two games generally shouldn't decide a title but in the title race with Manchester City, every point counts.

But even though Liverpool missed two of their star forwards, their fullbacks delivered at the offensive end in both these games. Against Brentford, one goal each was created by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Against Palace on Sunday, two exquisite deliveries by Robertson created the first two Liverpool goals.

Robertson and TAA have a combined 12 assists in their last eight games for the Reds. It has to be said that the duo of Mane and Salah weren't missed much. They would be back in action for Pool's next game though.

4. Liverpool's defense is a matter of concern

Without Alisson, Liverpool would have dropped points against Palace and that brings questions about Liverpool's defense. Their attacking quantum was expected to go down in the absence of Salah and Mane but they have scored 12 goals in five games without them.

But the defensive shape has been in shambles for quite a long time now. They were badly exposed by Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. It was again highlighted by Christian Pulisic and Mateo Kovacic in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea.

Crystal Palace didn't even have to work that hard for the goal. Schlupp's pass carved out a 2v1 situation with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Edouard against Alisson. In the first half, a misplaced pass in defense could have caused a goal.

Liverpool are not only struggling to play with their high line but they are also running themselves into dangerous situations. Joel Matip had a really difficult day and it looks more obvious that Ibrahima Konate should be the regular starter.

5. The title race is still open

Manchester City dropped points against Southampton on Saturday after playing a 1-1 draw. That has helped the Reds close down the gap to nine points with a game in hand. They could now be within just six points of City if they win their game in hand.

The fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad in April could be an all-important one yet again just as it was in 2019. City won 2-1 then, eventually winning the title by a point.

There is very little margin for error, especially for the Reds, and Manchester City's squad depth is certainly better when the fixtures pile in. But Liverpool can still keep in touch provided they don't have repeated showings of today's events. They need to kill games off when they have the momentum.