London: Liverpool's season went from bad to worse on Sunday, when it surrendered an early lead to lose 3-1 at struggling Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
After just 12 games, last year's runner-up is failing to hit the heights that saw the side push Manchester City to the final day of the title race.
As Palace rose to 15th, Liverpool is only two points better off in 12th. Liverpool, struggling without striker Luis Suarez this season, has lost its last four matches in all competitions.
Rickie Lambert netted his first goal for Liverpool two minutes into his second league start, picking up Adam Lallana's cross and slotting the ball past diving goalkeeper Julian Speroni.
Palace struck back 15 minutes later when Dwight Gayle tapped the ball home with a close-range finish after an effort by Yannick Bolasie rebounded off the left upright and fell at his feet.
Palace took the lead in the 78th minute when Bolasie placed a perfect cross into the box and Joe Ledley made no mistake, sending the ball into the back of the net.
Captain Mile Jedinak then curled a free kick over the wall and past Simon Mignolet three minutes later to secure Palace's first win since September.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult game," Jedinak said. "We didn't help ourselves by conceding so early on but I think the reaction from the boys after that was first class."
