I think these referees see the big brand names as the ones that butter their bread on the right side for them, keeping them in their comfortable little niche. Too many blatantly wrong decisions given against not only us but other 'unfashionable' clubs. There needs to be a root and branch clear out of the likes of Friend and his ilk. Unfortunately, any action that dares to upset the present status quo is unlikely.

Good post, agree

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

VVD arrived late with a strong run to meet the cross, probably a well rehearsed training ground move, my guess is the players in the 6 yard box were there to tie up our taller players, lure us into thinking they were the threat, when we were occupied with looking after those no one picked up the onrushing VVD leaving us exposed, how well that run could have been blocked you would know better than me but for sure 100% they knew exactly what they were doing.

Agree. I was hoping that without Mane and Salah it would have been a tad easier, but alas.

They are a seriously good outfit. The modern game is all about intensity, on and off the ball and they do it very well. Moving the ball at speed, and putting immense pressure on us whenever we got the ball.

We struggled with their press, but stuck with it. Worked a way out at times, went long more than normal. I'm not sure if they tired, or sat back after the goals, or we managed to get a foot on the ball?

Regardless we were very impressive after that. Cant imagine there will be many teams making that many chances against Liverpool this year.

Like many others on here I have now calmed down enough to post.
We were rubbish for 30 mins or so but Liverpool were playing with very high intensity which they obviously could not keep up for the whole game.
They played us off the park during that period and scored a great goal by Van Dijk - who was totally unmarked - how difficult is to know that the 6'4" fellow needs to be marked - hmmmm!
their 2nd goal has now been proved offside and after that we started to play and deserved a draw.
Mr Friend had one of the worst games I can remember from a referee at Palace but VAR was even worse.
VAR is there to deal with clear and obvious errors.
Liverpool's 2nd goal was a clear and obvious error that they did nothing about and yet the penalty - which KF didn't give was one VAR didn't need to be involved in.
The referee said no penalty and VAR spent what - 3 mins - trying to find a reason to overturn the decision but couldn't and so sent Friend to look and is the norm he gave it.
Jota looked at Guaita and then ran into him- what on earth did VAR see?
If the powers that be don't look at it and demote Pawson & Friend then it really is corrupt.
Right up there with the worst decisions by VAR ever!
Once we sorted the midfield out we were at the races and there are signs of what we can expect as we mature.
I even enjoyed Mateta once he stopped being offside - he has great thought of where to move to and when he matures he will be way better than Benteke!
Shame about yesterday but thoughts now have to turn to Norwich, Brentford and Burnley where we have to get 7 points.

Quite possibly, but I was really impressed with Olise in the 2nd half. For a significant spell he was simply superb.

At a 'mere' £10 Million we are very lucky to have him and I hope we can keep him. I want him to forge his career at Palace.