Nketiah’s 97th-Minute Thunderbolt Hands Crystal Palace Stunning Victory Over Liverpool

LONDON — September 27, 2025 — In a finish that had Selhurst Park erupting like a long-dormant volcano, Eddie Nketiah rifled home a 97th-minute volley to seal a deserved 2-1 triumph for Crystal Palace over Premier League pacesetters Liverpool on Saturday. The strike not only shattered the Reds’ perfect start to the season but also etched Oliver Glasner’s Eagles into club lore, extending their unbeaten run to 12 games and propelling them to second in the table with 12 points from six outings.

The opener came early, with Ismaïla Sarr pouncing on a Liverpool defensive lapse from a corner in the ninth minute, his header looping over Alisson Becker for a dream start. Palace, buoyed by the roar of their faithful, dominated possession and chances, only for Federico Chiesa to nod in an 87th-minute equalizer off a Darwin Núñez cross, breathing momentary life into Arne Slot’s charges. But Nketiah, the 26-year-old former Arsenal forward who joined Palace in a £30 million summer switch, had the final say. Latching onto a loose ball in the box amid a scramble, he unleashed a left-footed rocket into the roof of the net—his fourth goal in as many league games this term.

For Ghanaians tuning in from Accra to Kumasi, the moment carried extra spice. Nketiah, born in South London’s Lewisham to proud Ghanaian parents, proudly sports his full name—Edward Keddar Nketiah—on the back of his jersey, a nod to his roots that he’s worn like a badge of honor. Though capped for England, the striker has spoken openly about his African upbringing and the pull of his heritage, even hinting at a future Black Stars call-up. “Growing up in a Ghanaian household shaped me— the food, the music, the values,” he told NBC Sports earlier this year. Today, that fire translated into a goal that silenced the traveling Kop and sent social media into a frenzy.

The win marks Palace’s first over Liverpool since 2014, a drought that felt eternal under Glasner’s meticulous rebuild. “We’ve waited for this,” beamed the Austrian manager post-match, his voice hoarse from the touchline bellows. “Eddie’s finish? Pure class. This team believes now.” Slot, meanwhile, cut a frustrated figure, lambasting a key decision from Mohamed Salah that “was of no use” in the dying embers, per reports from the Anfield dugout. Liverpool, now on 15 points but still top, rued a profligate afternoon where chances for the Egyptian and Núñez went begging, including a VAR-overturned handball shout against Marc Guéhi.

This isn’t just three points; it’s a statement. Palace, once relegation fodder, are flying high, their set-piece prowess and counterattacking verve under Glasner evoking memories of their 1990 FA Cup final run. For Nketiah, it’s redemption after a rocky Arsenal exit—four goals in four, and counting. As the Eagles soar, one can’t help but wonder: if Ghana ever comes calling, will he answer?

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