Liverpool F.C. 0-3 Crystal Palace F.C. – Carabao Cup Fourth Round

Here's the detailed story from yesterday's disappointing night for Liverpool (Baba D), in which Crystal Palace absolutely soared at Anfield in the 2025‑26 EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) fourth round.

1. Build-up & team selections

Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot made a bold and controversial decision: he rotated 10 players from the team that faced Brentford, bringing in many youngsters and lesser‐used squad members. (The Guardian)
Notably, big names like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were left out. Slot defended the choice, citing fixture congestion and injuries. (The Guardian)
Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner, meanwhile, came fairly solid, having already beaten Liverpool earlier this season and with belief in their system. (Reuters)

2. First half: Palace hit early and Liverpool struggle

The match started at Liverpool's home ground, Anfield, and while the Reds had a decent early spell, they couldn't make their chances count. One opportunity: Ngumoha (Liverpool academy) linked with Chiesa but the angle was narrow. (Liverpool FC)
Then the trouble began:

At the 41st minute, Palace broke the deadlock. A lofted pass from Kamada found Munoz; Gomez touched it, the ball arrived to Ismaïla Sarr who slotted home. (Liverpool FC)
Just before half‐time (45th minute), Sarr struck again. A clever reverse pass from Yeremy Pino set him through and he made it 2-0. (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool's defence looked ragged; the youthful line-up didn't settle into the high standard one expects at this club.

3. Second half: Collapse and damage limitation

In the second half the pattern didn't improve. Palace controlled with confidence; Liverpool couldn't build meaningful momentum. According to reports, Liverpool had only one shot on target the entire match. (The Guardian)
Then the match tipped further:

Around the 79th minute, Liverpool were reduced to 10 men. 18-year-old Amara Nallo, on his second senior appearance, tugged back a through-ball to verge on a clear goal-scoring opportunity and was shown a straight red. (The Scottish Sun)
With numerical superiority, Palace wrapped it up in the 88th minute when Pino curled in a fine finish to make it 3-0. (The Standard)

4. Key players & storylines

Ismaïla Sarr: He continues to be a thorn in Liverpool's side. His brace here keeps his tally growing versus the Reds. (Sky Sports)
Yeremy Pino: Not only assist, but the late killer blow. Showed quality and presence of mind.
Amara Nallo: Young, talented, but the red card in just his second senior game adds to the narrative of inexperience costing Liverpool. (The Scottish Sun)
Arne Slot's selection gamble: Widely criticised, especially given Liverpool's current run of form. Many pundits called it "asking for trouble". (Talksport)

5. What this means for Liverpool

This is Liverpool's sixth defeat in seven games across all competitions. (NBC Sports)
They've now lost five straight domestic matches, their worst such streak since 1953. (The Guardian)
Losing at home in a cup competition by three goals without reply is a huge blow to morale and momentum. (Reuters)
Upcoming fixtures (in league and European competition) will now carry even more pressure for Slot and the squad.

6. Why Palace dominated

Palace defended well, pressed when needed, and exploited Liverpool's weaker side with ruthless efficiency.
They had a clear plan to hit the younger Liverpool side on the break and isolate inexperienced defenders.
The red card opened up the match even more, allowing them to finish the game with control and a third goal.

7. What Liverpool must do now (for the blog advice section)

Regroup quickly: A defeat like this can set a negative tone unless addressed seriously.
Bring back experience: Perhaps Slot will revert to more senior, trusted players in upcoming matches.
Fix key defensive issues: Two goals just before half‐time is a recurring theme.
Restore confidence: Young players given a chance must be supported, but perhaps with more balance.
Use the rest period / training ground wisely – the next few games are crucial.

8. Final thought

For a club of Liverpool's stature to be knocked out of the Carabao Cup at home in this manner is painful. Babe D, the writing is clear: this result isn't just about one poor night, it reflects deeper issues — selection, form, and squad depth. Meanwhile, Palace will go on with belief, buoyed by a dominant display at Anfield.
Liverpool now face a fork in the road: act decisively or risk a slide deeper.

Liverpool F.C. 0-3 Crystal Palace F.C. – Carabao Cup Fourth Round