Liverpool in Crisis After Cup Collapse
Slot’s gamble backfires as Palace crush Reds at Anfield
Liverpool’s nightmare run just got worse. Arne Slot’s heavily rotated team crashed to a 3–0 home defeat against Crystal Palace, who stormed into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals thanks to a ruthless brace from Ismaila Sarr and a late strike from Yeremy Pino.
This was Palace’s third victory over Liverpool this season, following wins in the Community Shield and Premier League. Oliver Glasner’s men were simply sharper, hungrier, and more organized in every department. For Slot, who made ten changes, the decision to rest stars completely backfired in front of a stunned Anfield crowd.
Sarr Strikes Again
Liverpool actually started brightly. Youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Kieran Morrison looked confident, and Federico Chiesa came close with two good chances. But when Palace found their rhythm, everything changed.
In the 41st minute, a misplaced touch by Daniel Munoz was cleared by Joe Gomez, but the ball fell perfectly for Sarr to smash low into the corner past debutant goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. Just four minutes later, Sarr was at it again. After linking up brilliantly with Yeremy Pino, he took one touch and guided a calm finish beyond Woodman for his second of the night.
Seven goals in nine games against Liverpool tell the story. Sarr just loves facing the Reds.
Palace In Full Control
The second half brought no Liverpool comeback. Palace controlled the tempo, defended with discipline, and waited for their moment to strike again. Sarr almost grabbed his hat trick before being subbed off to save his legs for Brentford at the weekend.
Liverpool’s frustrations deepened when 18-year-old Amara Nallo, who had only just come on, was sent off for a foul on Justin Devenny. And just before full time, Yeremy Pino added the finishing touch with a classy right-foot strike to seal a famous 3–0 win.
It was another tough night for Slot and his young side, who now have six defeats in seven matches. Meanwhile, Palace’s dream of another cup run is alive and kicking.
