By Sam French

Out of the EFL Cup, following a second defeat to Crystal Palace in a matter of weeks. Arne Slot’s heavily rotated Liverpool side crashed out of the Carabao Cup at home to Crystal Palace – making it a sixth defeat in seven games.  

Match Review

As the rain poured down on a wet night at Anfield, fans had seen enough, and many headed for the exits early- likely missing Crystal Palace’s third goal by Yeremy Pino in the 88th minute.  

A 3–0 loss to Crystal Palace at home and in a competition that once symbolised Liverpool’s relentlessness becomes just another entry in a growing list of humiliations. 

Slot made ten changes, fielding three teenagers in his starting eleven and five more on the bench. Many fans may have feared the worst when the line-up was revealed. Some may have viewed it as a gamble worth taking given the form of the senior players, but others would say that this wasn’t the night to throw them in at the deep end. The decision not to include any senior players on the bench was confusing as there’d be no one to come on and make an impact if needed. 

Ismaïla Sarr nets his second goal after a defensive breakdown (The New York Times)

Ismaila Sarr loves a goal against the Reds and his two in four minutes meant it was 2-0 at half time so already an unlikely task to come back. As it was, Joe Gomez, one of the few senior heads on the pitch, handed Crystal Palace their opener with a moment of panic as he flicked the ball on to Sarr who was unmarked in the middle. A move that summed up Liverpool’s recent weeks – from a team that was solid at the back to one of confusion and chaos. Moments later, Sarr struck again, unmarked, unchallenged, unbothered.  

The Kop tried to rally. But even that famous Anfield defiance felt subdued and replaced by disbelief. They’re a side who don’t lose many at home but today Crystal Palace had little to fear on Merseyside.  

Liverpool ended the game with ten as 18-year-old Amara Nallo was shown a red card for a desperate tug. You can’t help but feel for the youngster as it’s 2 red cards in 16 minutes of first team action in his Liverpool career.    

Slot stood motionless on the touchline, drenched and defeated, watching a team that no longer resembled champions. This wasn’t a one-off. The league form will take priority- it’ll have to but going out cup competitions without a fight isn’t the Liverpool way.

Final Score: Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace