Crystal Palace player ratings from Liverpool goalless draw – Michael Olise runs the game as striker misses two golden chances

Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw with Liverpool on Saturday evening.

The Eagles are still searching for their first win of 2023.

Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from Selhurst Park:

VICENTE GUAITA – 7

He was in the right place to thwart a handful of Liverpool’s shots in the first half. Was a spectator for Mohamed Salah’s curling effort in the second half, which hit the crossbar.

Did really well to close down Coady Gakpo and smother the ball after he was played through by Salah.

NATHANIEL CLYNE – 6

Was issued a yellow card early on for a perfectly good tackle on Jota. Helped keep Diogo Jota and Gakpo quiet for most of the game.

JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 7

Completed six clearances and helped keep Palace solid at the back. His passing range – which was sorely missed while he recovered from the calf injury he picked up in the defeat at Chelsea – was also a key tool in unlocking the Eagles going forward.

MARC GUEHI – 7

Came close to giving Palace the lead in the 23rd minute – meeting Michael Olise’s devilish free-kick delivery and heading just wide of the post.

Completed seven clearances – the most of any Palace player – and was not dribbled past once.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 7

He won three tackles and made five clearances. The England left-back, who has found the level of consistency in recent weeks which took him to the international stage, also made four blocks – the most of any Palace player.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 7 

Pulled off an excellent tackle to stop Coady Gakpo from advancing towards goal early on.

His best performance for a while, winning four tackles and completing two interceptions.

He also contributed to the team going forward.

ALBERT SAMBI LOKONGA – 7

He brought a natural composure on the ball and picked out a handful of intelligent passes in the first half.

The Belgian brings a balance to the side and complements Doucoure well.

Looks like a shrewd signing.

JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 6

Came within inches of giving Palace the lead in the 36th minute but could not reach Olise’s left-footed cross from wide.

Did well to steal the ball off Alexander-Arnold in the 40th minute, hassling the Liverpool right-back into turning over possession inside his own area. Schlupp set up Jean-Philippe Mateta, who could not convert.

Subbed off for Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute.

MICHAEL OLISE – 8

He was Palace’s most creative spark in the first half, delivering two dangerous crosses into the box. 

Pulled off an excellent run in the 66th minute to drive Palace up the pitch and win a free-kick on the edge of the box.

He worked exceptionally hard for the team, dragging Palace towards Liverpool’s goal right up until the final minute of the game.

JORDAN AYEW – 6

Worked hard for the team but lost possession seven times, the most of any Palace player.

Ayew also had the best pass percentage – 85 – of any Palace player who started the game.

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – 5

Collected the ball just in front of goal after Trent Alexander-Arnold played a sloppy pass. 

But with just Allisson to beat in the 12th minute, the French forward somehow hit his effort wide. Although a corner was given, the decision spared Mateta’s blushes.

His hold-up play was better, giving Joel Matip a battle in the early stages.

Missed another golden chance in the 40th minute, collecting the ball just in front of goal after Schlupp’s good work to turn possession over. However, he rushed his effort and hit the bar.

Worked hard and produced some nice link-up play, but he should have put away one of his chances.

SUBS:

EBERECHI EZE – 6

Did not have a real attacking impact off the bench, but helped to secure the point.

ODSONNE EDOUARD – 6

Helped close down the Liverpool defence and pressed well.