Liverpool march on into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup with a narrow but ultimately comfortable 2-1 win against past nemeses Alan Pardew and Crystal Palace. The Reds were slightly unfortunate to be behind at half-time but goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana sealed victory for the visitors.
This was a gritty performance that saw Liverpool's recently strong defence tested more by brawn and speed than it was by previous opponents. The three central defenders seemed slightly unnerved at times but recovered sufficient poise to see out the match with few alarms.
Manager Brendan Rodgers wants a trophy for his third season in charge and if the next draw is kind, he and his players stand every chance of success. Steel has been added to the team's typical finesse, which always comes in handy for cup football.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Simon Mignolet, 7 -- A microcosm of recent performances. He made good saves when necessary and either caught or punched to perfection against a side determined to exploit any weaknesses in that area. Kicking again let him down late in the game, but Palace found few chances to make him pay. Easily one of Liverpool's most improved performers.
DF Emre Can, 6 - There are signs the German giant might be human after all. Was caught out of position a few times and wasn't there to aid fellow centre-back Martin Skrtel in his moment of crisis. Still looks good coming forward but seemed ruffled by the home side's direct approach. Took a booking when caught out of position again but it's easy to forget Can is still learning to play on defence after spending most of his career as a midfielder.
DF Martin Skrtel, 7 -- Could easily have lost composure after his error cost Liverpool what might have been a vital goal in Crystal Palace's opener in the 15th minute, but stoutly stuck at it. There was one period in the second half when Palace were fighting back with corners and crosses but the Slovakian stood tall to inspire his colleagues with some resolute and aggressive defending.
DF Mamadou Sakho, 7 -- The only real alarm was when he collapsed in the box with nobody near him. Thankfully he recovered and showed the discipline and strength he's become noted for. He might have been expected to come off worse against Yannick Bolasie, but the Palace winger ended up being replaced thanks to the Frenchman's composed display.
MF Lazar Markovic, 6 -- The Serb was initially a benefactor of Pardew's dissection of Liverpool's recent formation, but he could not take advantage of space afforded to him by Palace's strangulation of the central areas. Might not have been fully fit but only the timing of his substitution was a surprise as Rodgers sought to give Palace something else to think about.
MF Alberto Moreno, 6 -- Still not living up to his promise. Works hard and provides some protection for Sakho but like Markovic did not fully exploit his opportunities. There is some sacrifice in his play certainly -- or perhaps he is also suffering from playing too much football? Never gives up though and was running and chasing to the end. Needs to work on his dancing celebration.
MF Jordan Henderson, 7 -- Good leadership from the vice-captain. Sometimes squandered good opportunities to create scoring chances with poor delivery but when he got it right put in a perfect cross for Daniel Sturridge to equalise. His hard work and defensive duties are almost taken for granted nowadays and he didn't let a harsh early booking faze him.
MF Joe Allen, 7 -- Better from the Welshman. He can be bland and safe sometimes but there are occasions when his busy play and neat passing are necessary and this was one of them. Pivotal during a 10-minute period when Liverpool kept the ball from a desperate home side who couldn't even get near an equaliser as a result.
FW Adam Lallana, 7 - Had a wonderful winning goal with an opportunistic run into the area and he instantly changed body shape to find the corner of the net. Had been quiet and ineffective up until then but showed when he is left on the pitch he improves the longer the game goes on. Rodgers might not be in such a hurry to substitute him after this performance.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 6 -- Probably the biggest victim of Pardew's tactics as his importance to Liverpool's play is becoming common knowledge. Crystal Palace's Joel Ward never gave the Brazilian a second's respite and it severely reduced his chances to affect the outcome.
FW Daniel Sturridge, 7 -- Seemed out of sorts in the first half and became entangled with Dwight Gayle partially as a result of his own frustration, possibly because he might have won a penalty. Touch was often poor but like all good strikers found it again when it mattered. He's still on the road to full fitness and form but scored a vital goal to help keep his club in the FA Cup.
Substitutes:
FW Mario Balotelli, 7 -- Replaced Markovic at half-time. Perhaps his presence gave partner Sturridge the yard of space he'd been desperate for? His free kick was then too hot for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julián Speroni to hold and Lallana made it 2-1.
Showed experience and calm in the latter stages when possession and running down the clock took precedence over another goal. Refused to rise to Palace attempts to rile him. Another important cameo from the Italian.
FW Rickie Lambert, NR -- Replaced Coutinho and played his part in the possession game that sapped the home team's spirits.
DF Dejan Lovren, NR -- Brought on to shore up the defence and the scoreline remained the same. Confidence returns in small increments and hopefully he can play a more substantial role in Liverpool's season soon.