Daijiworld Media Network - Liverpool
Liverpool, Oct 30: Liverpool’s dismal run of form continued on Wednesday night as Crystal Palace handed them a crushing 3-0 defeat in the League Cup fourth round, compounding the growing crisis at Anfield.
Ismaila Sarr’s first-half brace and a late strike from Yeremy Pino sealed a dominant win for Palace, sending the FA Cup holders into the quarter-finals and leaving Arne Slot’s side staring at their sixth loss in the last seven matches across all competitions.
Slot opted to rest several key players ahead of crucial upcoming clashes against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. However, his decision backfired as a youthful and weakened Liverpool side failed to contain Palace’s relentless attack.
“It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” Slot admitted after the match. “But with only 15 or 16 first-team players available and games coming every two days, this is the choice I’ve made. The pressure for the coming week is very high.”
Liverpool, who were also beaten 3-2 by Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, have now lost four consecutive league fixtures and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points.
The Reds’ slump has been fuelled by defensive frailties and the underwhelming performances of high-profile summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. With both sidelined, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Slot turned to teenagers Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, and Trey Nyoni — a gamble that never paid off.
Palace, who have now beaten Liverpool three times in just 80 days, struck first when Joe Gomez’s defensive lapse allowed Sarr to fire home in the 41st minute. The Senegal international doubled the lead moments before half-time, finishing off Pino’s pass in front of a stunned Kop.
Liverpool’s night worsened when substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute for a professional foul, and Pino completed the rout in the 88th minute to book Palace’s quarter-final trip to Arsenal.
Meanwhile, holders Newcastle United advanced with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park. Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade found the net to secure a home tie against Fulham in the last eight.
Manchester City overcame an early scare to beat Championship side Swansea 3-1, with goals from Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Cherki turning the game around after Goncalo Franco’s opener. Pep Guardiola’s men will now host Brentford in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal maintained their superb form with a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Emirates, extending their winning streak to eight games. Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka were on target, while 15-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest-ever Arsenal starter.
Chelsea also progressed after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolves, with Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estevao Willian, and Jamie Gittens scoring for the Blues. However, striker Liam Delap’s late red card drew the ire of manager Enzo Maresca, who called his actions “stupid” and “embarrassing.”
The League Cup quarter-final lineup now promises high drama, with Arsenal hosting Palace, Manchester City facing Brentford, Newcastle meeting Fulham, and Chelsea set for a trip to Cardiff.