Liverpool’s League Cup exit deepens crisis as Crystal Palace stun Reds 3-0

Liverpool’s season went from bad to worse on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the League Cup following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield. The loss, driven by a first-half brace from Ismaila Sarr and a late goal from Yeremy Pino, handed Arne Slot’s side their sixth defeat in seven matches across all competitions.

Slot made ten changes to his starting lineup, resting key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. The decision backfired badly. Liverpool looked disjointed and lifeless, as Palace, who have now beaten them three times in just 80 days—completely dominated.

“It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” Slot admitted after the game. “But with only 15 or 16 first-team players available and back-to-back matches, I had to make a choice. The pressure was already high for the upcoming week.”

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Disarray on the Pitch

Liverpool’s new tactical setup—a switch to a back three—only added to their chaos. Joe Gomez’s costly mistake in the 41st minute gifted Sarr the opener, and Palace’s Senegalese winger struck again moments before halftime to silence the Kop.

Slot’s young side, featuring teenagers Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, and Trey Nyoni, were visibly overwhelmed. Substitute Amara Nallo’s red card in the 79th minute for a professional foul summed up Liverpool’s night of misery. Pino then sealed Palace’s victory in the 88th minute, setting up a quarter-final trip to Arsenal.

Related: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: Maguire’s late header deepens Reds’ crisis

The result compounds Liverpool’s alarming slump. They’ve now lost four straight Premier League games and sit seven points behind leaders Arsenal, with their title defence in freefall.

Palace, City, Arsenal, and Chelsea advance

Elsewhere in the competition, Manchester City avoided a scare at Swansea, coming from behind to win 3-1 thanks to goals from Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Cherki. Newcastle secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Tottenham through Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade, booking a quarter-final clash with Fulham.

Arsenal continued their superb run of form, beating Brighton 2-0 at the Emirates with goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka. The night also saw history made, as 15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to start for the Gunners.

Chelsea edged a thrilling 4-3 win over Wolves despite a late scare. Goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estevao Willian, and Jamie Gittens sent the Blues through, although Liam Delap’s red card drew sharp criticism from manager Enzo Maresca, who called his striker’s dismissal “stupid” and “embarrassing.”

Chelsea edged a thrilling 4-3 win over Wolves

What next for Liverpool?

For Arne Slot, the pressure is building fast. Liverpool’s next three fixtures—against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City—will define their season. Fans are already questioning the team’s direction, with summer signings Isak and Wirtz yet to make their mark.

The mood at Anfield is tense, and unless Slot finds answers quickly, Liverpool’s campaign could unravel before Christmas.

SportsLigue