- Palace win third-straight at Anfield
- Christian Benteke scores twice
- Liverpool slip up in top four race
- Eagles 7 points above drop zone
Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool at Anfield once again on Sunday as the Eagles fought back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and added to their recent impressive wins against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Phillipe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead with a stunning free kick but just before half time Christian Benteke made it 1-1 and then the former Liverpool striker headed home in the second half to give Palace a precious three points.
With the win the Eagles are on 38 points and move up to 12th place as they surge away from the relegation zone, while Liverpool remain on 66 points and can feel Manchester City and Manchester United breathing down their neck in the race for the top four.
[ MORE: Watch full PL match replays ]
Liverpool started the game well but found it tough to break down a stubborn Palace defense and the Eagles always looked dangerous on the break.
One of their breaks saw the ball drop to Benteke but the former Liverpool dragged his effort wide of the post after beating two players.
[ MORE: Latest Premier League standings ]
Coutinho soon had Liverpool ahead as the Brazilian magician curled home a stunning free kick for his 10th Premier League goal of the season. 1-0 to the Reds.
4 - Christian Benteke has scored four goals in his previous three Premier League games at Anfield as an opposition player. Haunt.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 23, 2017
Just before half time Palace were level as sloppy defending let in Yohan Cabaye and his perfect cross was tapped home by Benteke against his former club. 1-1. Benteke had another shot on target before half time but Simon Mignolet saved as Palace were buoyed by their equalizer.
[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ]
In the second half Coutinho danced free on the edge of the box but smashed an effort way over as Palace sat in deep and frustrated Liverpool’s attack.
Palace threatened at the other end from set pieces and Benteke caused mayhem in the 71st minute but Cabaye smashed an effort over the bar with the goal gaping.
Moments later Benteke put Palace ahead as Andros Townsend’s corner from the right missed everyone and the Belgian nodded home his second goal of the game. 2-1 to the Eagles.
[ MORE: Full lineups, stats, box score ]
Late on Liverpool pushed hard for the equalizer but Palace held on for their third-straight win at Anfield and all but secured their Premier League status for another season.