Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1 as Wirtz and Barcola offer Iraola attacking encouragement

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, offering Andoni Iraola encouragement over his attacking options.

Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak scored for the Reds, who moved into the Premier League's top four following Chelsea's defeat at Sunderland.

Bradley Barcola also impressed, combining with Wirtz for Liverpool's second goal as Iraola's side ended a two-match losing run.

Crystal Palace created several opportunities during an entertaining opening period but failed to take advantage.

Yeremy Pino struck the crossbar, while Jørgen Strand Larsen had an effort ruled out for offside.

Liverpool eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Mac Allister headed home Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick.

Palace supporters protested the decision to award the set-piece, but Liverpool carried their advantage into half-time.

Liverpool doubled their lead in the 54th minute following an attacking move involving Ronald Araújo, Barcola and Wirtz.

Barcola accelerated into space before delivering a low pass for Wirtz to finish inside the penalty area.

The move highlighted the potential of Iraola's attacking system, with Isak occupying defenders and creating room for teammates.

Finding the right balance between Barcola, Wirtz and Isak has been a challenge, but their contribution against Palace provided encouraging signs.

Palace continued to threaten, with Pino missing another opportunity when Alisson closed him down.

However, Isak scored Liverpool's third goal in the 89th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Eddie Nketiah converted a stoppage-time penalty after Milos Kerkez fouled Dario Osorio, but the late goal offered little consolation for Pierre Sage's side.

The victory provided Liverpool with a welcome response after consecutive defeats.

Iraola will hope Liverpool's attacking combinations continue improving after the international break as the Reds look to strengthen their Champions League qualification prospects.