Arne Slot pointed the finger at summer signing Jeremie Frimpong after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, ending their perfect start to the season.

The Reds had won their opening seven matches in all competitions, but a late Eddie Nketiah strike condemned them to their first loss of the campaign.

Palace strike early

Crystal Palace began on the front foot and were rewarded when Ismaila Sarr fired them ahead in the ninth minute.

Liverpool struggled throughout the first half, with Slot admitting his side were fortunate not to be further behind.

Federico Chiesa looked to have salvaged a point when he equalised in the closing stages, but Palace snatched the win through Nketiah’s close-range finish from a long throw.

Slot’s frustration

After the game, Slot revealed his anger at a defensive lapse, appearing to blame Frimpong for abandoning his position in stoppage time.

“One of our players ran out because he wanted to play a counter-attack, which was of no use because time was up,” Slot said. “That led to them scoring the winner and us losing the game.”

Set-piece concern

Slot also admitted Liverpool’s vulnerability from set-pieces is becoming a recurring issue.

“Last season we hardly conceded from set pieces. Now against Newcastle we conceded two, and today another two,” he said. “That is something we need to do better if we want to compete at the top.”

Liverpool now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray before facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 4.