Liverpool’s Premier League title dreams were dealt another blow when they were defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace at Anfield.

The Reds’ performance was sluggish and lanky, and they wasted numerous big opportunities before losing at home for the first time in the top level this season. With six games remaining, they are now two points behind Manchester City, and if they beat Aston Villa, they would be four points behind Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp’s troops may have few complaints, but their campaign is on the precipice of failure, and they are also on the verge of leaving the Europa League.

Liverpool was tired in the first half, falling behind for the 23rd time in all competitions. In the 15th minute, Palace pulled the ball back from the byline, and Eberechi Eze finished neatly.

And three minutes later, the Reds’ position nearly worsened. Virgil van Dijk’s slip allowed Palace attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta to rush towards goal, beating Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, but Andy Robertson produced an incredible goal-line clearance.

Despite their fatigued effort in the first 45 minutes, the Reds had opportunities. Wataru Endo hit the crossbar after a scramble, while Luis Diaz was stopped at the back post by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Klopp’s team improved after the interval, but they lacked control in the final third. On 54 minutes, the ball rebounded beautifully for Darwin Nunez from a corner, but his shot went straight at Henderson. Then, on 72 minutes, Diogo Jota must have thought he’d scored when his shot beat Henderson but was blocked by former Reds player Nathaniel Clyne.

Liverpool were given a scare in the 74th minute as Alisson produced a good save on Mateta. A minute later, the Reds squandered a wonderful opportunity to equalise. The home team launched a counter-attack, and Cody Gakpo found Jones, who was one-on-one with Henderson but shot wide.

Then, in stoppage time, Salah attempted a shot from inside the six-yard box, but Tyrick Mitchell made an important save.

Liverpool lacked cutting edge in this game, and their title hopes are now out of reach. They trail Manchester City by two points, are equal with Arsenal, but might be three points behind by this evening. Here is how we assessed Liverpool’s players.

1. Alisson Becker – 6

Made an early save upon his return from injury, but a poor pass resulted in Palace getting a throw-in and subsequently opening the goal. Mateta made a solid halt following the break.

2. Andy Robertson – 7

The only Liverpool player who could keep his head up during the first half. Provided ample thrust down the flank and made a crucial goal-line clearance. Kept at it in the second half, though not as involved.

3. Conor Bradley – 5

In the first half, there was little pace down the flank, and the defense was put to the test. I was replaced shortly after the halftime break due to an injury.

4. Ibrahima Konate – 4

I struggled to match Mateta’s physicality throughout the contest.

5. Virgil Van Dijk. – 5

Instead of coming near to Eze for Palace’s first, Robertson saved the Liverpool captain’s blushes following his fall. I didn’t do much wrong after the break.

6. Wataru Endo – 4

Gave the ball away frequently in the first half and did not provide adequate protection, despite hitting the crossbar. It’s no wonder he was substituted at halftime.

7. Curtis Jones – 4

Had some good moments in the first half, and was definitely the best midfielder. A weak touch let him down when he was picked out inside the box after the interval, and he failed to retain his cool with a golden opportunity. Substituted in the 82nd minute.

8. Alexis Mac Allister – 4

I won one free kick on the edge of the box in the first half and that was all. Dropped deeper in the second half and improved slightly, but remained way below his potential.

9. Luis Diaz – 5

Went close to equalizing for Liverpool in the first half and was perhaps the best of the three forwards, albeit not as effective as he could be. Couldn’t make an impact in the second half before getting replaced in the 66th minute.

10. Mo Salah – 3

I wasn’t too involved in the first half. Never got involved enough and dismissed the ball too readily. He struggled in the second half, unable to get the ball to stick on many occasions before missing a golden chance in stoppage time.

11. Darwin Nunez – 4

In the first half, he had one shot that was easily saved and did not keep the ball well. Missed a wonderful opportunity in the second half before being replaced in the 66th minute.

12. Dominik Szoboszlai -6

Increased midfield speed.

13. Sub 2 – Trent Alexander-Arnold (5)

On his comeback from injury, he made some great passes but did not have any standout moments.

14. Sub 3 – Cody Gakpo (7)

After coming on, there was a noticeable change along the left side.

15. Sub 4: Diogo Jota – 5

He must have thought he had scored when Clyne blocked his shot.