Isak scores as Liverpool win to strengthen Champions League hopes

Alexander Isak scored in the Premier League at Anfield for the first time since joining Liverpool as the Reds strengthened their grip on a Champions League spot with victory over Crystal Palace.

Sweden forward Isak has endured a bitterly frustrating spell since completing a British record £125m move from Newcastle.

But he set Liverpool on their way to a third straight top-flight win when his shot into the ground from 12 yards looped over the head of Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the net.

Liverpool’s third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman made his first Premier League appearance for the Reds as Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili were both injured.

Woodman made a diving save to keep out Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header moments before Liverpool made it 2-0 through Andy Robertson.

The Scotland full-back finished off a fine counter-attack with a precise finish following a lightning attack involving Curtis Jones.

Palace set up a grandstand finish when Daniel Munoz scored from outside the box with Woodman down injured, before Eagles substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the post in the 84th minute.

But the Reds sealed victory through Florian Wirtz deep into stoppage time, a right-foot finish from inside the box.