Happily for Woodman, he recovered to make important saves at key times as Liverpool – thanks to goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson and Florian Wirtz – got the job done.
Crystal Palace had started the match with purpose as they attempted to become the first team to ever record four victories in a single season against Liverpool. The opening stages were tense, the mood exacerbated by the 13th-minute protest against Fenway Sports Group about rising season ticket prices.
Had Brennan Johnson not spooned a super chance in the 20th minute – the way he snatched at it was reflective of a player struggling with confidence – the atmosphere could have turned but Liverpool eventually found their rhythm.
Having rightly been denied a penalty by VAR, when Salah tumbled under a challenge from Johnson, Liverpool broke the deadlock when Isak instinctively controlled an Alexis Mac Allister shot and spun to hit a bouncing effort over Dean Henderson. The relief in all quarters was evident.
One goal would soon become two and it was Liverpool at their very best, a superb break, started by a fine save by Woodman from Jean Philippe Mateta, ended with Robertson sweeping a left footed drive beyond Henderson, having hurtled from one end of the pitch to the other. They will miss him when he leaves.
It should have been straightforward in the second half but it was anything but as Salah went off with a hamstring issue and Palace scored their unexpected goal. But as they pushed for an equaliser, Wirtz produced a moment of magic to give Liverpool their third straight win.
