CRYSTAL PALACE set an unwanted record as they failed to have a single touch of the ball inside Liverpool’s box.
The Eagles were thumped 4-0 by the league leaders after goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane.
This heat map shows where Crystal Palace had most touches of the ballCredit: Twitter / @OptaJoe
Roy Hodgson’s side had three shots on goal – but not one of their players touched the ball inside Liverpool’s box.
According to OptaJoe, this makes Palace the first side to do so in a Premier League match since at least 2008/09.
It was a night to forget for the visitors as Liverpool moved within touching distance of their first title for 30 years.
Palace had just 26 per cent possession and did not manage to test Alisson with any shots on target.
The disastrous defeat leaves Hodgson’s men ninth in the league table with 42 points.
Up next, the Eagles will be looking to bounce back against Burnley – whose fan Jake Hepple was sacked from his job for the ‘White Lives Matter’ banner.
Three points for Jurgen Klopp’s side moved Liverpool 23 points clear at the top of the pile.
If Manchester City fail to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, then the Reds will secure the silverware.
After his side’s crushing 4-0 defeat, Hodgson admitted Liverpool’s performance proves they will be worthy champions.
He said: “They have been excellent. It’s just a question of when it’s mathematically impossible for anyone to catch them.
“They aren’t going to lose any matches. They are going to keep winning.
“Their determination and desire in a game they could easily have taken it easy in, you didn’t see them taking it easy.
“Even in the last four or five minutes they were desperately chasing the ball down and looking to score again.
“That attitude is why they are going to be champions.”
Palace boss Roy Hodgson praised Liverpool’s performance after the gameCredit: EPA
Jurgen Klopp post-match press conference after Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 4-0
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
