Liverpool’s poor run of form continued on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the League Cup following a 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half before Yeremy Pino sealed the win, condemning Arne Slot’s side to their sixth defeat in seven matches across all competitions.
Slot made major changes to his squad, resting several key players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and big summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz — ahead of crucial upcoming games against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
But the decision backfired badly. Liverpool, who also lost 3–2 to Brentford last weekend, have now suffered four straight league defeats and sit seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
“It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” Slot admitted. “But with only 15 or 16 first-team players available, this was the choice I had to make.”
Teenagers Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, and Trey Nyoni all started for the Reds, but their inexperience showed as Palace dominated. The visitors, who have now beaten Liverpool three times in just 80 days, punished defensive errors throughout the night.
Joe Gomez’s mistake allowed Sarr to open the scoring in the 41st minute, before the Senegalese winger doubled the lead moments later from Pino’s pass. Substitute Amara Nallo was later sent off for a foul on Justin Devenny, and Pino completed the rout in the 88th minute.
Palace’s victory booked them a quarter-final trip to Arsenal, who beat Brighton 2–0 at the Emirates thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka.
Elsewhere, Manchester City came from behind to beat Swansea 3–1, while Newcastle defeated Tottenham 2–0 at St James’ Park. Chelsea also advanced with a dramatic 4–3 win over Wolves, despite striker Liam Delap being sent off late in the game.
The quarter-final draw will see:
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
- Manchester City vs Brentford
- Newcastle vs Fulham
- Cardiff vs Chelsea
