Andrew Robertson saves Virgil Van Dijk from humiliation but can’t prevent costly defeat as shocking Liverpool stats emerge

Liverpool have taken a major blow to their title chances at Anfield and the statistics show their defensive problems are to blame.

The Reds were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace after failing to come back following Eberechi Eze’s goal inside the opening 15 minutes.

Andy Robertson managed to save Virgil van Dijk from humiliation in the first half, but he was unable to prevent a costly defeat for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

The Scotland international was forced into action after teammate Van Dijk slipped while battling Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The full-back somehow got back on the goal line when the French striker beat Alisson and won the ball back on the line by the narrowest of margins.

His efforts were ultimately in vain, with his team now falling to third place in the Premier League table and losing their advantage in the title race.

The hosts are struggling and shocking statistics have emerged to show that falling behind in matches is becoming an unwelcome trend.

Liverpool have now conceded the first goal in four of their last five Premier League matches at Anfield.

That’s as many as they had let in in their previous 22 home games.

Additionally, their defensive record throughout the year is well below their usual standards.

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After conceding to Eze, they have now scored more goals in 2024 than their bitter rival Everton.

Given that the Toffees are in a relegation battle, this record is not good enough for a title contender.

Klopp’s men have now conceded 15 times this year while Sean Dyche’s side have conceded one fewer with 14.

Many of those goals have also come at home, conceding in each of their last nine games at Anfield, marking their worst home run without a clean sheet since 1999.

This form ended up costing them dearly and they suffered a second successive home defeat in all competitions for the first time in three years.

Liverpool are now two points off the top of the table and Manchester City and Arsenal now have the advantage in the title race.