Liverpool may have returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace, but the performance has reportedly sparked a fierce debate about individual standards at Anfield, with former Reds striker Michael Owen at the centre of the controversy.
The Merseyside club secured a valuable 3–1 victory at Selhurst Park on Sunday, November 8, thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. However, despite the result, questions remain about certain individual performances and whether every member of Andoni Iraola’s squad is delivering the consistency required at the highest level.
The alleged comments attributed to Owen are particularly explosive. The former Liverpool forward is said to have been deeply unimpressed with one player’s display, questioning his decision-making, ball retention and overall contribution.
According to the viral quotation, Owen believes the player has received enough opportunities to establish himself and should now be removed from the starting lineup.
OWEN’S ALLEGED VERDICT SPARKS DEBATE
The most controversial part of the reported criticism is the suggestion that the player repeatedly surrendered possession and struggled to cope with opponents from a Crystal Palace side sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Owen’s alleged assessment was brutally direct, with the former England international reportedly describing the performance as a major disappointment and insisting that Iraola should consider a significant change.
The reported 2/10 rating would represent an extraordinary condemnation of a professional footballer’s performance.
However, it is important to distinguish the viral quotation from verified reporting: there is currently no reliable confirmation that Owen made these exact comments or publicly identified the player in question.
LIVERPOOL BEAT PALACE, BUT THE PERFORMANCE WAS NOT PERFECT
Liverpool entered the fixture under pressure to respond after suffering consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahce.
Iraola needed a reaction, and his players eventually delivered three important points.
Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 40th minute, meeting a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick with a header that put Liverpool ahead.
Nine minutes into the second half, Bradley Barcola delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, allowing Florian Wirtz to finish confidently and double the visitors’ advantage.
Alexander Isak then made it 3–0 in the 89th minute after a quick attacking move involving Wirtz.
Crystal Palace scored a stoppage-time penalty through Eddie Nketiah, but Liverpool had already secured the victory.
The result lifted Liverpool into fourth place with 18 points from 10 matches, while Palace remained bottom of the table with seven points.
Despite the victory, Palace created several dangerous opportunities, and Alisson Becker was particularly important in keeping Liverpool ahead.
WHY IRAOLA MAY STILL NEED TO MAKE CHANGES
Winning football matches is important, but maintaining standards across the entire squad is equally essential.
Iraola has already demonstrated that he is willing to make changes when performances or tactical circumstances demand it. His challenge now is ensuring that every player understands that their position in the starting XI cannot be taken for granted.
Liverpool are approaching a demanding period, and the upcoming international break gives the coaching staff an opportunity to assess performances, fitness and tactical weaknesses before the next major fixture.
The next assignment is particularly significant: Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield in a fortnight.
That is not a match in which the manager can afford unnecessary mistakes, poor decision-making or players struggling to impose themselves.
If any player is consistently failing to meet the required standard, the competition for places must become more serious.
THE BIG QUESTION BEFORE THE MANCHESTER UNITED CLASH
Liverpool supporters will welcome the three points against Crystal Palace, especially after the disappointment of the previous two defeats.
However, a victory should not automatically mean every player escapes scrutiny.
Iraola must decide whether to maintain his current starting combination or make adjustments before facing Manchester United.
The manager has options, and the international break could provide the perfect opportunity to reconsider certain positions.