Arne Slot misery goes on as Liverpool manager's Carabao Cup gamble backfires. Image Credit: Getty Images.
(The Post News)- suffered a shocking 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday night, October 29, in the Carabao Cup Round of 16.
The loss marks Liverpool’s worst home cup performance in years and sees the Eagles soar into the quarter-finals with confidence and composure. Crystal Palace showed more hunger and organization in the early minutes of the game. Their pressing and defensive structure stifled Liverpool’s young side, which featured several fringe players and academy graduates.
The visitors took the lead in the 43rd minute when Ismaïla Sarr pounced on a defensive error from Jarell Quansah to slot home past Caoimhín Kelleher. Liverpool attempted to respond after halftime, but Palace doubled their lead in the 54th minute through Sarr again, who capitalized on another swift counterattack following a misplaced pass in midfield.
The frustration among Liverpool’s players and supporters began to grow, and tempers eventually boiled over.In the 68th minute, Wataru Endo was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Eberechi Eze, reducing the hosts to ten men.
Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool when Ibrahima Konaté received a second yellow card in the 82nd minute for a professional foul on Sarr, leaving the Reds with only nine players on the pitch.
Crystal Palace exploited their numerical advantage effortlessly. In the 88th minute, Yéremy Pino capped off a superb team performance with a curling finish into the top corner, silencing Anfield and sealing a memorable 3–0 victory.
The away end erupted in celebration as Palace recorded their third win over Liverpool this season, having already defeated them in the Premier League and Community Shield.Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended his team selection after the match, insisting that squad rotation was necessary given their congested fixture list.
However, the defeat adds pressure on the Dutch coach, as Liverpool’s form has dipped dramatically in recent weeks. Critics have questioned the lack of intensity and discipline, pointing to the two red cards as evidence of growing frustration within the squad.
For Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace, this victory represents one of the club’s finest moments in recent memory. The team played with structure, confidence, and attacking sharpness, deserving every bit of their win.
What’s Next for Liverpool and Crystal Palace?
Liverpool FC
Liverpool will attempt to rebound when they face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, November 2, at the City Ground.
Slot’s men will hope to avoid further embarrassment and regain momentum in domestic competition.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace advances to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and will await the draw to discover their next opponent.
They return to league action against West Ham United this weekend, eager to build on their stunning form.
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