Mohamed Salah completed Liverpool’s second-half comeback over Crystal Palace.

An early penalty had threatened to condemn the Reds to a defeat on their travels as Luka Milivojevic converted after Loris Kariu fouled Wilfried Zaha.

But Jurgen Klopp’s side bounced back after the interval with Sadio Mane turning in James Milner’s cross to pull the visitors level in south London.

Six minutes from time, Salah added to an already impressive goal haul with his 29th Premier League strike as he converted an Andy Robertson delivery.

Here were the key talking points from Selhurst Park:

Reds finding an ability to win ugly

 

It was hardly a vintage Liverpool performance, lacking much of the slickness and combination touch football recently associated with their forward line.

But they were still able to find a way around their hosts’ organised defence to create the much-needed openings to complete this come-from-behind victory.

Jurgen Klopp’s players have won much praise for the exciting, expansive football on view, with an abundance of goals to compliment the philosophy.

However in the league run-in, as teams battle relentlessly for each and every point to help their survivor, the ability to win ugly will prove beneficial.

Van Dijk continues to prove be well spent

 

Transfer fees can often way heavy on a player, especially a fee reaches the extremes of £75m, however for Virgil van Dijk was worth both the money and the wait.

Not only does the Holland captain provide a much-needed solidity and leadership to the Reds’ defence, he also generates a confidence and smoothness to the team overall.

Van Dijk’s ability to take the ball from an improving Loris Karius and look up for the best passing option has created a starting point for Liverpool attacks.

But the centre-back also but also offers a holding point when defensive teams close the spaces for the attackers, as Palace continually did here.

He is also capable of contributing at the other end of the field and should have added to his tally with a headed effort midway through the fisrst half.

Klopp still needs an attacking Plan B

 

Although Liverpool’s front three have continued to score at will, Klopp must still wish he could turn to the bench and see other options for goals.

Natural replacements are in an increasingly short supply with neither Danny Ings nor Dominic Solanke able to score for their side this season.

The pair are also unlikely to be knocking on the door loudly enough for it to open at any stage between now and the end of the current campaign.

Timo Werner’s potential move to Anfield may have been discounted but rumours about other marksmen will grow as the summer approaches.

If more tangible progress is to be made, Klopp will have to develop his artillery beyond the current Big Three.

Benteke’s banishment fully vindicated

 

With only nine goals in 29 outings, few tears were shed when Christian Benteke was allowed to leave Merseyside after one underwhelming season.

The latest outing against his former club suggested that Klopp was correct in his decision to banish the Belgium international from Liverpool.

Any striker at Premier League level needs to make the most what few chances he encounters.

Benteke’s two wasted efforts in the second half can be ill afforded – especially for a Palace side sitting 16th in the league, only two points clear of relegation.

He may have found his level at Selhurst Park, though he may not even be enough to help the Eagles survive another season in the top flight.