Palace prompt Liverpool meltdown
Monday, May 5, 2014
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Seemingly cruising to victory, Liverpool FC let a three-goal lead slip in the closing stages at Crystal Palace FC, with a 3-3 draw a major blow to the Reds' hopes of a first title since 1990.
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A calamitous closing 11 minutes has dealt a serious blow to Liverpool FC's chances of winning the English title, with substitute Dwight Gayle scoring twice as mid-table Crystal Palace FC overturned a three-goal deficit.
The Reds started the game level on points with league leaders Manchester City FC, but with an inferior goal difference, having also played a game more. However, they appeared to be on course for a comfortable victory when Welsh midfielder Joe Allen peeled away at the back post to head in from a Steven Gerrard corner after 18 minutes.
Palace rallied briefly, but Liverpool roared into the second period, with Daniel Sturridge's shot deflected past Julian Speroni on 53 minutes before Luis Suárez finished after an exchange of passes with Raheem Sterling two minutes later.
Eager to rack up goals to heap pressure on City, who are at home against Aston Villa FC on Wednesday, Liverpool poured forward but slumped horribly in the closing stages. Defender Damien Delaney's deflected shot beat Simon Mignolet on 79 minutes and Palace scented an upset. Gayle was then set up by Yannick Bolasie to make it 3-2 on 81 minutes before striking again on 88 minutes after Glenn Murray chested down a long ball forward.
The point puts Liverpool top again, but they could be two points off the pace by the time they play their final game of the season, at home against Newcastle United FC on Sunday. City play host to West Ham United FC on the same day.
