Eddie Nketiah Scores Late to Hand Liverpool First Defeat of the Season

• Liverpool’s perfect start to the season was ended in dramatic fashion as Eddie Nketiah scored a 97th minute winner
• The former Arsenal striker has been a long-term target for the GFA, and it appears they will finally land their man
• Ghanaians are not enthused with Nketiah's change of heart, especially as the Black Stars near World Cup qualification

Eddie Nketiah delivered a moment of late magic as his 97th-minute strike sealed Crystal Palace’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Selhurst Park.

The home crowd erupted in excitement as Nketiah turned in a last-gasp winner that ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the 2025-26 campaign in dramatic fashion.

Heading into the match, Arne Slot’s champions were tipped to face their toughest test yet against the FA Cup winners, per GOAL.

Palace did not just live up to the billing, they dominated the opening half.

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Oliver Glasner’s side were relentless, carving out several clear chances and striking the woodwork on more than one occasion.

Palace were eventually rewarded just before the interval when Ismaila Sarr fired home from close range to give them a deserved lead.

Liverpool struggled to create openings for much of the game, but as they so often do, they found a way to claw themselves back.

With just three minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Federico Chiesa pounced on a loose ball inside the box to level the score at 1-1, per Sky Sports.

It seemed as though the Reds had rescued a point and preserved their unbeaten run, but Palace had other ideas.

Eddie Nketiah scores late winner against Liverpool

Deep into stoppage time, Jefferson Lerma launched a long throw into the box. Captain Marc Guehi rose highest to flick it on, and Nketiah arrived at the back post to slot the ball past Alisson.

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Watch Nketiah's goal below:

Wild celebrations followed, though nerves briefly returned as VAR reviewed a potential offside. The check came back in Palace’s favour, confirming a goal that will live long in Selhurst Park folklore.

The win marked another famous triumph over Liverpool for Palace, highlighting Glasner’s growing influence on the squad.

For Nketiah, the late strike underlined his value as a match-winner. For Liverpool, it was a sobering reminder that even the strongest teams can falter under pressure.

As the final whistle blew, Palace’s players and fans celebrated a statement victory – one that lifted them into second place, right behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

Nketiah to receive his maiden Black Stars call-up?

Off the pitch, the buzz surrounding the London-born striker has also intensified.

Reports now suggest he is on the brink of receiving his first Ghana call-up if the Black Stars qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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According to sources close to the Ghana Football Association, Otto Addo is eager to expand his attacking options and bring in fresh energy.

His potential inclusion would mark a strategic shift, reflecting Addo’s willingness to blend experience with emerging talent.

How Nketiah dashed Semenyo's European dreams

In a separate publication, YEN.com.gh detailed how Eddie Nketiah’s FA Cup triumph with Crystal Palace has inadvertently dashed Antoine Semenyo’s hopes of playing in Europe.

Palace’s victory secured them a Europa League slot, pushing the Conference League ticket down to the seventh-placed team.

Despite Bournemouth hitting a historic 53-point mark in the Premier League with two games to spare, they remain nine points off the pace, officially ruling them out of European contention.

Source: YEN.com.gh