Mac Allister demands Liverpool improve despite Crystal Palace win

Alexis Mac Allister says Liverpool must raise their standards after the international break, despite ending their Premier League campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Mac Allister headed Liverpool in front at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak also scoring. Eddie Nketiah converted a late penalty for Crystal Palace.

The goal was Mac Allister’s first in the Premier League this season. He has also scored twice in the Champions League and once in another competition.

“It feels good. It’s the first one in the Premier League, but I scored twice in the Champions League and in another competition,” he said.

The Argentina international was particularly pleased to score from a set-piece, an area he believes is becoming increasingly important in the Premier League.

“It’s nice to score, especially from a set-piece because it’s something that I like. I think people and the coaching staff are realising I like it as well.”

Liverpool had recently conceded three goals from set-pieces in a defeat, making their opening goal against Palace especially welcome.

“We know how important it is. The other day we lost a game where we conceded three set-pieces. Today we won it because we scored from it,” Mac Allister said.

“We understand how important it is, especially in football nowadays. The Premier League is becoming more and more physical, so we work on it and we’re getting the results.”

Despite the final scoreline, Mac Allister said Liverpool had been tested by Crystal Palace and still had significant areas to improve.

He admitted the hosts were able to escape Liverpool’s press at times and create opportunities, while praising the work of the centre-backs in protecting the penalty area.

“It was a difficult game. We know that when we come to Crystal Palace it’s always going to be difficult,” he said.

“We defended the box quite well, especially our centre-backs. They were really, really good. Sometimes we tried to press and it was not perfect, so they could come out from it and create chances.”

The result also gave Liverpool a positive outcome to take into the international break. Mac Allister singled out goalkeeper Alisson Becker after his impressive first-half save to deny Daichi Kamada.

“He’s so good. Kamada couldn’t believe the save he made and he was telling me,” Mac Allister said.

“But that’s who he is. He’s an amazing goalkeeper and an amazing guy as well. I’m really, really happy for him.”

Mac Allister, however, warned that Liverpool could not allow the victory to mask their shortcomings.

“We are glad with the result but we know that this is far from perfect and we have to keep improving,” he added.