Liverpool lost 0-3 to Crystal Palace, coach Arne Slot was shaken
A 0-3 defeat in the League Cup meant Liverpool had lost their sixth game since 27 September, their first since February 1934, conceding a three-goal deficit without scoring at Anfield; Slot faced pressure.
It wasn’t an isolated stumble. A 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield in the 2025/26 League Cup was a wake-up call for a Liverpool in freefall: six defeats in all competitions since 27 September, more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues. And worse, it was the first time since February 1934 that Liverpool had lost by three goals and failed to score in a domestic cup game at home.
Cold statistics and historic shock at Anfield
The difference is clear on the statistics: Liverpool had just one shot on target, while Crystal Palace had nine. In a stadium that is a fortress, that number exposes a huge gap between intention and execution, between expectation and reality.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace (League Cup 2025/26) |
| Shot on target | Liverpool 1 - 9 Crystal Palace |
| Losing streak since 9/27 | 6 matches in all competitions |
| Sad record at Anfield | First time since February 1934 losing by 3 goals and not scoring in domestic cup |
| Facing Crystal Palace this season | 3 defeats (including penalties) |
Arne Slot's rotation decision and the consequences
Arne Slot fielded a team that included a lot of young players and reserves, a risky decision given the busy schedule with Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Man City ahead. “I haven’t changed my mind after the game,” Slot said, noting that even with the key players, Liverpool “struggled to get a result against Crystal Palace” in their last meeting.
Comparing it to their direct rivals at the top, Slot said: “I saw Man City’s starting line-up, none of the players from the weekend were there, but it was still their best line-up.” He added: “After I made two changes, we had six teenagers on the pitch.” Those comments exposed the tension between personnel management and the demands of competition, especially when Liverpool had just undergone what was described as a record summer transfer window.
The pressure is real. “Every game at Liverpool is a must-win… When you’re on a run like this… the pressure is real,” Slot admitted. The defeat knocked Liverpool out of the cup, but more importantly, it threw the manager’s chair into a storm.
Crystal Palace becomes the "knight" of the season
This was Liverpool's third consecutive defeat to Crystal Palace this season, including penalties: Community Shield (2-2; 2-3 on penalties), Premier League (1-2) and now 0-3 in the League Cup. Crystal Palace not only defended solidly but also punished effectively, as shown by the 1-9 difference in shots on target at Anfield.
In that picture, Ismaila Sar stands out with 4 goals out of 3 of Crystal Palace’s 7. On social media, many people joked that the Senegal international would win the Ballon d’Or if he played against Liverpool every game – a joke that reflects the real stalemate of The Kop.
Impact and the Way Forward
The 0-3 defeat not only cost them a place in the League Cup quarter-finals, but also eroded confidence ahead of a tough stretch. The fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Man City will test Slot’s ability to adapt: whether to trust in the young players or to immediately restore the system with key players. With a six-game losing streak now underway, every decision will now be viewed in the light of results.
Background of the 4th round of the English League Cup
- Young stars speak up, Chelsea wins thrillingly against Wolves 4-3: Andrey Santos, George, Estevao and Gittens make their mark.
- Pep kept Haaland, Man City came back to defeat Swansea 3-1 with the mark of Doku, Marmoush and Cherki.
- Arsenal 'blew away' Brighton 2-0 thanks to goals after halftime from Nwaneri and Saka, extending their winning streak to 6 matches.
- Football results today October 30: Liverpool lost miserably, Tottenham was eliminated.
