July 19 2017

Wayne Hennessey

Crystal Palace lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the Semi final of the Premier League Asia Trophy.

There was no starting place for new loan signing Rubens Loftus-Cheek, who had to settle for a place on the bench, however Frank de Boer opted for a 3-4-3 formation with Keshi Anderson joining Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha in attack.

Palace started well, with Zaha impressing in the early minutes. Liverpool had the first real attempt at goal through Daniel Sturridge, but Scott Dann put in a vital block to deflect the ball wide.

England midfielder Adam Lallana then had a good chance for the Reds but he put the ball high and wide after Sturridge's deft backheel.

On 24 minutes Palace had their first real chance through Anderson, however his shot didn't trouble Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

Just before the break Sturridge had another good chance to break the deadlock but Wayne Hennessey was equal to his effort, palming the ball away at full stretch.

In the second half, Liverpool took the lead on 60 minutes when one of their new signings Dominic Solanke found the bottom corner after nice work from Divock Origi.

De Boer, known for nurturing young talent during his managerial career, opted to bring on a number of youngsters in the second half: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nya Kirby, Michael Phillips and Freddie Ladapo all featured.

Eleven minutes from time Liverpool doubled their lead through Origi from close range, after second half substitute Philippe Coutinho's shot was originally blocked.

Late on, Hennessey stopped Liverpool from grabbing a third, when he palmed away Ryan Kent's shot.

Palace will now play West Brom in the 3rd/4th playoff game on Saturday morning at 11am (BST).

Watch De Boer's post match press conference.

Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Dann (Kelly 77), Delaney, Townsend (Wan-Bissaka 59), Milivojevic (Loftus-Cheek 77), Puncheon (Kirby 77), Schlupp (Van Aanholt 59), Zaha (Phillips 77), Benteke (Ladapo 72), Anderson (Sako 65).

Not used: Speroni.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold (Flanagan 46), Matip (Lovren 46), Gomez (Klavan 46), Moreno (Milner 46), Henderson (Kent 50), Lallana (Grujic 48), Woodburn (Wijnaldum 48), Salah (Solanke 50), Firmino (Coutinho), Sturridge (Origi 48).

Not used: Karius, Ward.