Alisson Becker delivered a commanding performance as Liverpool secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the travelling supporters at Selhurst Park singing the Brazil international's name in recognition of his match-defining saves.
The win owed much to the 34-year-old goalkeeper, who was singled out by the away fans as they saluted the players after the final whistle. It came after a week in which Alisson's form was questioned following unconvincing displays in consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Fenerbahce.
Alisson answers critics with key saves
Despite the scrutiny, Alisson remains Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, though he is in the last year of his current contract. His performances against Crystal Palace showed he is far from finished at the top level.
He produced a superb save to repel Daichi Kamada's far-post volley in the first half and followed that with an alert stop when Adam Wharton got a touch on Yeremy Pino's inswinging left-wing cross.
Second-half heroics seal the points
In the second half, with the Liverpool defence cut open, Alisson smothered a Pino effort before stopping Palace's follow-up attempt. His one-on-one stopping ability remains unrivalled among goalkeepers.
The Brazilian was visibly livid when substitute Eddie Nketiah converted a contentious late penalty to deny him a clean sheet. In the corresponding fixture last season, Nketiah had scored an injury-time winner at the same end, but this time his effort was mere consolation.
The victory ensures Liverpool head into the international break inside the Premier League's top four, deepening the gloom for rock-bottom Crystal Palace under Andoni Iraola.
