Mane punishes profligate Benteke as Liverpool beat Palace

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Sadio Mane scored a second-half winner as Liverpool won their first game of their Premier League campaign and condemned Crystal Palace to a second straight defeat.

The Eagles' three-man defence held strong until the 73rd minute when the Liverpool forward capitalised on a mistake from Luka Milivojevic.

Substitute Dominic Solanke may claim his first Liverpool assist, but Mane owed more to Milivojevic who first gave the ball away inside the box then diverted the ball into the Liverpool forward's path.

Liverpool were also grateful to former striker Christian Benteke, who blazed over when presented with Palace's best chance of the match. The Belgian had scored five goals in his previous three outings as a visitor to Anfield, but endured a difficult day.

Andy Robertson starred at left-back on his Premier League debut for the Reds, while Daniel Sturridge featured in a much-changed line-up, with Jurgen Klopp clearly having one eye on the Champions League play-off with Hoffenheim on Tuesday night.

But it was the familiar face of Mane - so often the key man last season - who proved the difference as Liverpool continued their unbeaten start to the season. Meanwhile, Palace remain without a win under new boss Frank De Boer.

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