Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, with Alexis Mac Allister's first-half header proving crucial in an uncomfortable afternoon at Selhurst Park.

The Argentina international opened the scoring in the 40th minute, meeting Dominik Szoboszlai's free kick at the near post before directing his header beyond Dean Henderson. Florian Wirtz doubled Liverpool's advantage after the interval.

Alexander Isak made it three late on, and Eddie Nketiah converted a stoppage-time penalty for Palace.

The result ended a two-match losing run in all competitions, while Palace suffered a fourth consecutive league defeat and dropped to the bottom of the Premier League.

Palace Made Liverpool Work Before The Breakthrough

Crystal Palace had reasons to feel frustrated at half-time. They created several promising opportunities and arguably had the better chances before Mac Allister broke the deadlock.

Yéremy Pino struck the crossbar, while Jørgen Strand Larsen had a goal ruled out for offside. Alisson Becker also made important saves to deny Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton, keeping Liverpool level during a difficult spell.

Liverpool had started brightly, too. Mac Allister forced a save inside the opening 30 seconds before glancing another Szoboszlai free kick into the side netting. The breakthrough came from a third delivery by Szoboszlai.

His free kick followed a foul on Cody Gakpo, and Mac Allister escaped his marker to arrive at the near post and direct the ball into the far corner.

Palace had been threatening to take control, but Liverpool punished a defensive lapse to go into the break with the lead.

Liverpool's Counter-Attacks Settled The Contest

Palace's task became considerably harder when Liverpool doubled their lead nine minutes after the restart. Bradley Barcola drove forward during a quick counter-attack before delivering the ball into the penalty area, where Wirtz arrived to finish first time.

The goal gave Liverpool breathing room and forced the hosts to take greater risks in search of a response.

That approach left further space for Liverpool to exploit. Alisson continued to make important saves, including a double intervention to deny Pino and Quinten Timber, before Isak finished another rapid attack in the 89th minute.

Nketiah converted from the penalty spot five minutes into stoppage time after Milos Kerkez was penalised for a foul on Dario Osorio, but the goal came too late to change the outcome.

Palace finished with 19 shots to Liverpool's 20, showing they had created opportunities throughout the match. Liverpool, however, were more clinical in the decisive moments and held on when the hosts threatened.

Why Mac Allister's Near-Post Movement Keeps Causing Problems

Jamie Carragher's explanation of Mac Allister's header focused on the movement behind the finish, not just the quality of Szoboszlai's delivery.

“Mac Allister has a brilliant ability for getting his head on things; we've seen it for club and country,” Carragher said.

The former Liverpool defender explained how the positioning of the other players helped create space for the Argentina international.

“Szoboszlai again, Jacquet's at the front space, and he's not there to head the ball; he's there to stop the defenders getting it,” Carragher said. “It allows Mac Allister to come across the front.”

Mac Allister attacked the space towards the near post instead of remaining in the crowded central area. His timing and acceleration allowed him to get ahead of his marker and meet the ball cleanly.

At around 5ft 9in, he is not an obvious aerial threat compared with traditional centre-forwards. His ability to anticipate deliveries and generate power while moving makes him dangerous around the six-yard area.

Palace had already seen the threat when Mac Allister glanced Szoboszlai's earlier free kick into the side netting. They failed to track his next run, and this time he made them pay.

The goal was also significant for the midfielder personally. It was his fifth of the season, matching the total he managed throughout the previous campaign.

That is an encouraging return for a player whose contributions are often associated with his passing, pressing and ability to control midfield.