Liverpool produced a memorable performance as they fought for a 4-3 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah reaching another milestone.
The Reds harked back to 2013/14 this weekend, producing the kind of frantic victory that became synonymous with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
In what was one of Liverpool’s biggest tests of the campaign to date, Jurgen Klopp‘s men edged out Palace, coming from behind after Andros Townsend’s first-half opener.
Mohamed Salah fired home a double and Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane also netted, while James Tomkins and Max Meyer scored for the visitors after the break.
Matches like these are no good for the health of Reds supporters, but yet another victory was achieved as Klopp’s team went one step closer to glory.
Here are five of the best statistics from Liverpool’s 4-3 triumph.
Salah’s Speedy Half-Century
Salah was a key presence at Anfield, with his double taking him to 16 goals and to the top of the Premier League scoring charts on his own.
His second of the day was opportunism at its finest, as he poached an effort on the line, capitalising on veteran Julian Speroni’s error.
It was Salah’s 50th Premier League goal in 72 games, levelling Fernando Torres’ feat and making him the fourth quickest to the milestone in the league’s history.
Only Andy Cole (65), Alan Shearer (66) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (68) are ahead of Liverpool’s No. 11.
It is worth noting that no player has reached their half-century in fewer minutes (5,374), however, also taking into account a forgettable spell at Chelsea.
Comeback Kings
Liverpool have shown their mettle plenty of times this season, as their ability to come from behind has proven.
Klopp’s men have won 10 points out of a possible 15 from losing positions in 2018/19, with Saturday’s game the latest hurdle overcome.
They also trailed at Burnley and at home to Arsenal, while Daniel Sturridge‘s late equaliser at Chelsea earned them a precious point in September.
Fortress Anfield Continues
Palace were the last side to beat Liverpool at Anfield in the league in April 2017, and for a time on Saturday, they looked like ending their long unbeaten run.
Liverpool had other ideas, though, and the eventual 4-3 win means they have won seven home games in a row, dating back to the 4-1 victory over Cardiff in October.
The last time a Reds side achieved this was back in January 2014, as a title challenge started to feel possible for Rodgers and his players.
This is now also Liverpool’s second-longest home unbeaten run in the league (32 games), behind the frankly ridiculous tally of 63 produced by Bob Paisley‘s team between February 1978 and December 1980.
Van Dijk’s First ‘Full Season’
Virgil van Dijk is unlikely to have been amused by Liverpool conceding three goals to Palace, but he impressed at the heart of the defence.
The towering Dutchman has now played 38 Premier League matches for the club, therefore completing the equivalent of a full season in a Reds shirt.
His vast influence is highlighted by Liverpool’s record since his league debut at Swansea, which they actually lost 1-0 almost a year ago to the day.
The Reds have earned 88 points from those games, winning 27, drawing seven and suffering defeat just four times. Just 23 goals have been conceded, with 21 clean sheets along the way.
It sums up what an incredible signing Van Dijk has been.
Midfield Maestros
A number of Liverpool players struggled to find their best form against Palace, but two who shone were Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
The pair linked up well in the middle of the park, with their post-match statistics highlighting the influence they had.
Fabinho produced three key passes, won six out of 10 duels and made three ball recoveries, as Palace’s midfield struggled to deal with his combative nature.
Henderson, meanwhile, enjoyed one of his best displays of the season, with a 94 percent pass success rate—74 percent of which were played forward.
The skipper recovered the ball an impressive 10 times, also winning three tackles.
While Gini Wijnaldum‘s absence proved what an important player he is to the Reds, Fabinho and Henderson showed how effective they can be together.
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