Outstanding Coutinho helps Reds extend unbeaten run

The Reds' blistering firepower atoned for some woeful defending as Jurgen Klopp's men extended their unbeaten run to 11 games.

Palace twice came from behind as James McArthur's double wiped out goals from Emre Can and Dejan Lovren.

However, Joel Matip's first goal for Liverpool restored their lead before the break and Roberto Firmino's second-half strike put the game beyond doubt.

There was no sign of the drama that was to follow during a drab opening spell. Palace set their stall out early on as they got 10 men behind the ball and then looked to counter when Liverpool's attacks broke down.

The Reds probed without success until a classy team move brought the opening goal on 16 minutes.

Predictably, the outstanding Philippe Coutinho was at the heart of it as he picked out Moreno's run down the left. The Spaniard provided an inviting first-time cross and Can saw his low strike deflected past Steve Mandanda.

The celebrations in the away end were still ongoing when Palace were gifted an equaliser in shambolic circumstances.

There was no whiff of danger when Benteke flicked on Mandanda's long punt. Matip played it across to Lovren, but under no pressure he produced a woeful backpass which McArthur seized upon.

The Scotland international accepted the gift as he nodded over the advancing Loris Karius. It was Lovren's fault but Karius didn't exactly cover himself in glory as he bizarrely kept his arms by his side.

Lovren shook his head in disbelief but to his credit he didn't fall to pieces. Instead he went straight down the other and atoned for his blunder.

The big Croatian soared above Scott Dann to power home a header from Coutinho's in-swinging corner.

The touchpaper had been lit with three goals in the space of six manic minutes.

Twelve minutes before the break Palace were level for a second time. Moreno didn't come close to stopping Wilfried Zaha's cross and McArthur got across Lovren to nod emphatically past Karius.

Selhurst Park was rocking but Liverpool quickly regained their composure.

Klopp's men should have had a penalty when Ward handled Coutinho's goal-bound header from Firmino's cross. The defender's intervention enabled Mandanda to tip it on to the post but the officials failed to spot the indiscretion.

The chances kept on coming with Mane guilty of a horrible miss after Nathaniel Clyne put it on a plate for him.

Just before the interval Liverpool restored their advantage. Coutinho was the provider once again and the unmarked Matip met his corner with a thunderous header past Mandanda.

In the second half the contest remained on edge. Palace enjoyed more of the ball and Liverpool found themselves on the back foot.

Karius' distribution was ropey at times but he did make a couple of important saves as he thwarted both Benteke and Zaha.

Hearts were in mouths when Zaha twice took a tumble in the box, while Benteke also went down in a heap after a challenge from Matip. But to Marriner's credit, he didn't fall for any theatrics.

Having weathered the storm, Liverpool finally wrapped up the points 19 minutes from time.

Henderson's transformation into a dominant holding midfielder has been one of the features of this stirring run.

The Reds captain may be playing deeper but with his range of passing he can still unlock defences.

His through ball for Firmino was inch perfect and the Brazilian dinked an exquisite finish over the on-rushing Mandanda.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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