Liverpool woes: Three things Brendan Rodgers got wrong against Crystal Palace

A dejected Liverpool fan reacts following his team’s 3-3 draw during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park

Liverpool’s season took another turn for the worst as Crystal Palace threw a spanner in the works of their title bid, after a remarkable comeback against the Reds.

The league leaders led 3-0 with just under a quarter of the game left to go, however, a Delaney goal and two from Dwight Gayle threw the Palace fans into hysteria and left the Liverpool faithful in tears.

Luis Suarez and co. were visibly distressed at what unravelled before their eyes at Selhurst Park after seeming so comfortable throughout large parts of the game.

Brendan Rodgers has rescued Liverpool many times this season with his shrewd tactical nous, but the Northern Irishman did not cover himself in glory during the nightmare in London.

Below are three things Rodgers got wrong.

1. Taking off Raheem Sterling

Kagisho Dikgacoi of Crystal Palace and Raheem Sterling of Liverpool battle for the ball

Sterling had a quiet first-half by his standards, but he really came to life in the second-half as he ran riot against the Palace back-line. He assisted Suarez for one of the goals and was a constant outlet for his Liverpool side.

Rodgers decided to take off the electric youngster and it was a move the backfired against his side. Young Philippe Coutinho, struggling with an injury before the game, was introduced and it was evident the Brazilian could not cope with the pace of the game. His lack of strength on the ball was a particular worry and Liverpool began to struggle with the little magician not the outlet Liverpool desired. Within one minute, Palace scored and Coutinho was constantly ambushed from there on.