PLAYER RATINGS: Salah among five Liverpool starters to be given low 5/10 score

Liverpool's Premier League title hopes were dealt a surprise blow after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Eberechi Eze's first-half goal meant Jurgen Klopp's side were two points adrift of top spot, but Arsenal could open the gap up to three if they beat Aston Villa.

Struggling Palace started superbly and scored the only goal of the game after just 12 minutes, Eze tidily finishing off a flowing move down the left-hand side.

The Reds created numerous chances as they looked to respond but Curtis Jones squandered the best of them after firing off target when through one-on-one.

Here, Mail Sport's DOMINIC KING has rated the players...

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

Alisson Becker – Caught cold with the goal Palace scored but showed his outstanding qualities in the second half with a fabulous save from Mateta – 6

Conor Bradley – A revelation since he was introduced to the team but his afternoon ended prematurely, with injury forcing his substitution early in the second half – 6

Ibrahima Konate – His use of the ball wasn't what it should be and Klopp let him on several times. Positioning for Palace's goal not what it should have been – 5

Virgil van Dijk – Had Robertson to thank when a slip almost led to a second Palace goal. Not overly extended but not one of his best days, either – 6

Andy Robertson – A one-man army at times, his energy to get back and clear from his own goal line was spectacular. The pick of his side's bunch – 7

Alexis Mac Allister – Worked hard but struggled to dictate anything in the centre of the pitch in one of his most disappointing outings in red so far - 5.5

Wataru Endo – Hasn't looked the same since he missed the Sheffield United match with a knock and was withdrawn at the interval after struggling