Liverpool on the rise as pressure mounts on Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace

Liverpool are gaining momentum under Andoni Iraola. They beat Brighton to earn their fourth straight win in all competitions. Since the start of September, the side have won 8 of their 10 matches. At Anfield, they were at times fortunate. Had Yasin Ayari's open chance gone in, the match could have turned out differently.

The home side scored with quick, direct attacks, in line with their manager's style. Liverpool won the ball five times in the final third, their second-highest total in the Premier League this season. Possession at 36 percent does not seem to bother Iraola much, as he believes speed and efficiency matter more than control of the ball.

The attacking players also gave encouragement. Bradley Barcola assisted in his second consecutive Premier League match from the right wing. Alexander Isak once again performed effectively up front. Florian Wirtz stood out with the shot that led to the opening goal, and Cody Gakpo also earned praise.

Liverpool did their job in the first half but failed to make the most of counter-attacking chances after the break. Even so, Iraola is pleased to see his messages getting through to the players. Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager said he liked many things about the performance.

The mood at Crystal Palace is gloomier. On Sunday they lost 2-0 to Newcastle at Selhurst Park. Following a 5-0 defeat to Brighton the previous week, the side left the field heavily beaten, as their opponents' two goals came within an 11-minute spell in the second half. Palace have conceded 19 goals in the Premier League this season, making them the league's worst side in that respect.

According to writers, the club must decide what it wants to become in the coming weeks. If Sage has to pay the price, the priority should not be a search for a new style of play. What is needed is someone who can stop the decline.