'We needed this win' - Iraola praises Liverpool response after Palace victory

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak secured three important points for Liverpool following back-to-back defeats. Eddie Nketiah scored a stoppage-time penalty for Palace, but it was only a consolation.

"We needed this win, definitely, especially after the defeat the other day in Turkey," Iraola admitted. He also highlighted the difficulty of preparing for another away fixture after Liverpool arrived back late on Thursday following their European trip.

The Liverpool boss acknowledged that Palace had made life difficult, particularly during an open first half when both teams created opportunities. He singled out Alisson Becker's contribution as crucial, saying: "There is a save from Alisson that is key for us."

Iraola was particularly impressed with the goalkeeper's overall display, including his second-half one-on-one save against Yeremy Pino. "He has commanded the box very well," he said, adding that Alisson had shown the level expected of him in a difficult away fixture.

Liverpool improved after the break, defending more effectively and gaining greater control of the contest. However, Iraola was frustrated by the late penalty that denied his team a clean sheet. "I'm upset because a clean sheet is expensive," he admitted.

The manager was also pleased to see Isak find the net again, but he felt the striker's contribution went beyond his goal. He highlighted the forward's movement for Wirtz's strike, explaining: "The one I appreciate more is the movement he does in Florian's goal. He attacks very well the first post, he leaves the space in behind for Florian to arrive."

Iraola also praised the unselfishness of his attacking players, insisting that creating opportunities for teammates was just as important as scoring. He believes Isak deserves credit for his willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of the team.

Wirtz was another player to impress, scoring Liverpool's second goal and providing an assist. Iraola was pleased with the German's contribution after a frustrating period in which he had seen goals disallowed and missed opportunities. "He's been very unlucky in the Premier League," he said, adding: "Today, to help us, the 2-0, and also he has had a very good performance, I am happy for him."

Despite the victory, Iraola believes Liverpool still have plenty of work to do if they are to reach their expected level this season. "It's clear we still have room to improve, we need to become a better team," he said, while stressing the importance of remaining solid away from home.

He also explained why Liverpool looked more dangerous after taking the lead, with Palace forced to push forward and leave additional space for the visitors. In the first half, he felt his side had found good positions between the lines but had failed to deliver the final pass accurately enough.

There was some concern over Dominik Szoboszlai, who picked up a knock before being substituted. Iraola confirmed the midfielder was not fully fit, saying: "I don't know if it's a problem, but he definitely wasn't 100 per cent." Liverpool will assess his condition before determining whether he can join up with his national team.

Iraola is particularly anxious about further injuries during the international break, having previously lost three important players. "The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games," he said, referring to the previous absence of Alex, Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai. 

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