BBC pundit hails Liverpool but says Crystal Palace deserve credit

Alan Shearer believes Crystal Palace deserve great credit for their performance against Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were pushed all the way by the Eagles at Anfield, where the Premier League leaders won 4-3 in a thrilling game.

Speaking on Match of the Day, pundit Shearer suggested Liverpool had passed a major test of their title credentials.

But the former England captain was also impressed with Palace, who can consider themselves unlucky.

Liverpool’s James Milner was given the runaround by Palace star Wilfied Zaha and the visitors always looked a threat.

Shearer said: “It was a fantastic game of football and I’ve got to give Crystal Palace a mention.

“I thought they were brave in possession, not afraid to pass it through Liverpool and didn’t have much luck all afternoon.

“Zaha gave Milner a torrid afternoon. Liverpool had to dig deep.”

Palace boss Roy Hodgson praised the efforts of his players.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Hodgson said: “For large periods of the game we held our own but you need a bit of luck if you’re going to win.

“Goals often have an element of luck involved in them and their three certainly had a bit more luck in them than ours did.

“I’m very happy with how we went about our business and I’m very disheartened for the players that they didn’t get more to show for their efforts.”