Uche benched, Ngumoha subbed in as Palace become last unbeaten PL team after win v Liverpool

Crystal Palace became the Premier League’s last unbeaten side this season after a dramatic 2-1 victory over champions Liverpool at Selhurst Park, with Super Eagles-eligible youngster Rio Ngumoha and Christantus Uche drawing attention.

After signing his first professional contract with Liverpool earlier this week, Ngumoha came off the bench in the second half to add fresh energy, while Uche, on loan from Getafe, was an unused substitute as the Eagles sealed a famous result.

The hosts went ahead in the ninth minute when Ismaïla Sarr pounced on a defensive lapse to smash home from close range. 

Liverpool pushed hard for a response, with Alexander Isak missing two clear chances and Ibrahima Konaté heading narrowly wide, while Jean-Philippe Mateta struck the post for Palace. 

The Reds eventually equalised late on as Federico Chiesa scrambled the ball over the line, surviving a VAR review for a possible Mohamed Salah handball.

However, Palace had the final say deep into stoppage time, when Eddie Nketiah turned in the decisive goal in the 97th minute to extend the club’s unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions. 

Uche has has yet to make his full debut since joining Palace, but remains part of Oliver Glasner’s plans.

The Nigeria international came off the bench on his Premier League debut, before another substitute appearance at Millwall in the Carabao Cup. 

Wale Adejumo

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