Crystal Palace defender Ward: We had chances to get a positive result at Liverpool

Joel Ward felt Crystal Palace created enough chances to come away from Liverpool with points this afternoon.

The Eagles suffered their second defeat of the Premier League season, with goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita handing Jurgen Klopp’s side all three points.

Despite the scoreline suggesting that it was a routine win for the Reds, Palace had several chances to score this afternoon, with the South Londoners recording 13 shots during the 90 minutes.

When asked if the Eagles deserved something more from the game, Ward told PLP: “When you look back on it, yeah, that’s a fair comment. We certainly felt like we could have walked away with something today, and that wouldn’t have been unjustified.

“We created enough opportunities and maybe on another day, if those chances go in, we come away with something in this game. On numerous occasions, we created good chances. Unfortunately, they capitalised on their half chances that they got as well.”

The visitors could have also been awarded a penalty in the first half when Christian Benteke was brought down inside the area by Kostas Tsimikas, but referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue.

Ward said: “I haven’t seen it back, but my initial thought on the pitch was that maybe he’s blocked him or impeded him from going and getting a header on the ball; it may not have been.

“I can’t really say because I haven’t seen it, but from where I was, running up and supporting the play from behind, it certainly looked like it could have been a penalty.”

Although Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher had a difficult afternoon, the midfielder has started the season in exceptional form, and Ward praised the combative 21-year-old following the game.

“He’s growing in confidence, and collectively as a group, we are as well. We’re working day in, day out, on certain things and trying to implement our game and trying to grow as a team, and align our vision and push forward and develop as a group. Certainly Conor as well, he’s leading that line, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

PICTURE: SEAN GOSLING