October 26 2005

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie admitted Palace's Carling Cup win against Liverpool was one the best in his time at the club.

Dougie Freedman and Marco Reich scored either side of a Steven Gerrard strike to put Palace into the fourth round.

Dowie said: "Our display was very, very good. We didn't try to shut up shop, and we were really competitive.

"It was definitely our best home performance of the season.

"Ben Watson and Tom Soares were excellent in midfield, as were Michael Hughes and Marco Reich.

"I expect Liverpool to be in the top four by the end of the season.

"When their key players come back, I expect them to go on a long unbeaten run. They had Steven Gerrard back tonight, and they will improve as he gets fitter."