Liverpool cruise past Crystal Palace

Liverpool have defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield to go top of the Premier League.

The first action of the afternoon came in the Palace away end where flares were let off.

However, two quick goals put Liverpool in control with only 17 minutes on the clock.

Luis Enrique crossed in from the left and Luis Suarez was able to sweep the ball past Julian Speroni despite being on the floor.

It was 2-0 three minutes later as Daniel Sturridge turned Damien Delaney and placed the ball into the top corner.

However, Palace could have halved the deficit but three chances went begging. First Jimmy Kebe was denied by Simon Mignolet and then Kolo Toure cleared off the line. Liverpool's keeper then saved from Cameron Jerome before Kebe shot over from the rebound.

Mamadou Sakho almost turned the ball into his own net after Mignolet had missed Jerome's cross, but his attempted clearance went just wide.

However, the Reds increased their advantage through a Steven Gerrard penalty.

It was almost 4-0 moments later but Victor Moses was unable to get a clean contact on the ball and his shot came back off the bar.

Ian Holloway made a double change at the break with Jose Campana and Dwight Gayle replacing Kebe and Jerome.

The second half began slowly and neither team were able to test the opposing goalkeeper.

Raheem Sterling did fire a low ball across the area but it was too close to Speroni.

Substitute Gayle brought Palace back into the game with 13 minutes remaining when he glanced in a Campana free kick.

The Reds nearly restored their three-goal advantage but Sturridge's right-footed shot hit the inside of the post.