Senegalese forward Ismaïla Sarr strikes early as Crystal Palace take surprise lead at Anfield

Ismaïla Sarr gave Crystal Palace a stunning early advantage against Liverpool with a clinical finish in the ninth minute at Anfield, scoring his 12th goal of the Premier League season.

The Senegalese forward latched onto a low cross from left-back Tyrick Mitchell to open the scoring, silencing the home crowd in what was expected to be a celebratory afternoon for the hosts.

Liverpool, already crowned champions of both the Premier League and FA Cup, entered their final fixture of the season with the ambition of concluding their double-winning campaign in style. But Palace had other ideas.

In a match billed as a formality for the champions, it was the visitors who struck first.

Sarr’s run into the box was timed perfectly as Mitchell broke down the flank, and the winger made no mistake with a confident one-touch finish past the Liverpool goalkeeper.

The goal adds further weight to Sarr’s growing reputation as one of Palace’s most decisive attackers.

With 12 goals this season, the 26-year-old has delivered consistent performances in front of goal, providing a reliable threat in key matches and contributing heavily to Palace’s strong finish to the campaign.

For Liverpool, the early setback was unexpected, particularly at Anfield, where they have dominated opponents throughout the season.

The goal also disrupted the atmosphere of celebration that had begun to build in anticipation of the post-match trophy presentation.

Despite already securing the league title and FA Cup, Liverpool’s players were clearly determined to give their fans a fitting farewell to the season.

Sarr’s strike, however, served as a reminder that every minute in the Premier League requires full focus—regardless of what’s already been won.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, looked sharp and motivated from the start.

Their approach was bold and energetic, refusing to be overawed by the occasion.

With Sarr in fine form, they sought to spoil the script and walk away from Anfield with a memorable result of their own.

As the match continued, Liverpool pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but it was the visitors who had made the most immediate and impactful statement.

Sarr’s goal not only highlighted his own attacking quality but also showed that Crystal Palace were determined to end their season on a high.

???????????????????????????????? ISMAILA SARR OPENS THE SCORING FOR CRYSTAL PALACE!

1-0 Crystal Palace.pic.twitter.com/Vfdj6BKCjH

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) May 25, 2025