PL: Isak scores as Liverpool win to strengthen Champions League hopes

Alexander Isak scored in the Premier League at Anfield for the first time since joining Liverpool as the Reds strengthened their grip on a Champions League spot with victory over Crystal Palace.

Sweden forward Isak has endured a bitterly frustrating spell since completing a British record £125m move from Newcastle.

But he set Liverpool on their way to a third straight top-flight win when his shot into the ground from 12 yards looped over the head of Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the net.

Liverpool's third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman made his first Premier League appearance for the Reds as Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili were both injured.

Woodman made a diving save to keep out Jean-Philippe Mateta's header moments before Liverpool made it 2-0 through Andy Robertson.

The Scotland full-back finished off a fine counter-attack with a precise finish following a lightning attack involving Curtis Jones.

Palace set up a grandstand finish when Daniel Munoz scored from outside the box with Woodman down injured, before Eagles substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the post in the 84th minute.

But the Reds sealed victory through Florian Wirtz's finish deep into stoppage time, a right-foot finish from inside the box.

Despite the victory, it was not all good news for Liverpool, as Mohamed Salah was forced off with an injury in the second half.

Salah, who has acquired legendary status at Anfield for his goals, has announced he is leaving the club after nine years' service at the end of the season.

Liverpool fans will hope that is not the last they will see of Salah.

Palace had started well and Brennan Johnson should have put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute but instead fired over.

Woodman's save from Mateta - followed by Robertson's finish at the other end - proved a decisive moment and led to Liverpool fans serenading the former Palace youth goalkeeper with chants of "England's, England's number one".

This win means Liverpool are eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton in the race for the Champions League, with four games to play. The top five will play in Europe's most prestigious competition next season.