Liverpool’s season woes worsened on Wednesday after suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the League Cup fourth round, adding to the growing turmoil at Anfield.
Ismaila Sarr’s first-half brace and Yeremy Pino’s late strike sealed Palace’s dominant win, handing Arne Slot’s side their sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions.
Slot opted to rest several key players, choosing to focus on upcoming crucial fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. However, the decision backfired as Liverpool produced another dismal performance following their 3-2 defeat at Brentford just days earlier, which further damaged their Premier League title hopes.
Liverpool have now lost four consecutive league games and are seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal. “It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” Slot admitted. “But it’s only two days to rest, play the next one, then only two days’ rest, play Real Madrid and then a few days more for Man City. Everyone can have his opinion about it, but with the squad we are having maybe 15, 16 first team players available, this is the choice I’ve made. The pressure was already very high for the upcoming week where we again have to face three very difficult teams.”
Criticism has mounted over Liverpool’s defensive frailty and the underwhelming performances of high-profile summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. With Isak, Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk all missing, Slot made ten changes, including handing starts to teenagers Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, and Trey Nyoni.
The gamble quickly unraveled. FA Cup holders Palace—who have now beaten Liverpool three times in just 80 days—once again exposed the Reds’ vulnerabilities. Having already beaten them on penalties in the Community Shield and 2-1 in the league, Palace dominated this tie as well.
A defensive error from Joe Gomez gifted Sarr the opener in the 41st minute, before the Senegalese winger added a second just before halftime from Pino’s assist. Substitute Amara Nallo was sent off for a professional foul in the 79th minute, and Pino wrapped up the win with a composed finish in the 88th minute, booking Palace a quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
Elsewhere, holders Newcastle defeated Tottenham 2-0 at St James’ Park, securing a last-eight meeting with Fulham. Fabian Schar headed in the opener from Sandro Tonali’s corner before Nick Woltemade doubled the lead from Jacob Ramsey’s cross.
Manchester City came from behind to beat second-tier Swansea 3-1, setting up a home tie against Brentford. Goncalo Franco’s 12th-minute goal put Swansea ahead, but Jeremy Doku equalised with a deflected strike before Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki completed the comeback.
Arsenal extended their winning streak to eight games with a 2-0 home victory over Brighton, thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka. At just 15 years and 302 days old, Max Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter, with manager Mikel Arteta praising his “incredible skill to run past players at that level aged 15.”
Chelsea also progressed to the quarter-finals after a 4-3 win over struggling Wolves, setting up a visit to third-tier Cardiff. Goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estevao Willian, and Jamie Gittens sealed the win, while Toluwalase Arokodare and David Wolfe, who scored twice, struck for Wolves. Chelsea striker Liam Delap was sent off late in the game for two bookings, prompting manager Enzo Maresca to call his actions “stupid” and “embarrassing.”
What you should know
Liverpool’s League Cup exit underscores a troubling period under Arne Slot, with injuries, poor form, and tactical uncertainty threatening their campaign.
Crystal Palace’s impressive dominance over Liverpool highlights their resurgence, while Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Chelsea continue to assert their strength as title contenders in multiple competitions.
