Liverpool lost 0-3 to Crystal Palace at Anfield, Sarr scored twice
League Cup Round 4: Liverpool used many reserves, lost 0-3 to Crystal Palace at Anfield. Sarr scored twice before halftime, Pino finished; Palace beat Liverpool 3 times this season, Slot lost 6/7 matches.
When Yeremi Pino made it 3-0 in the final minutes, Anfield fell silent. Liverpool, with a much-changed lineup in the fourth round of the English League Cup, were undeniably defeated by Crystal Palace: both on the scoreboard and in the decisive moments.
Decisive moment: Sarr punishes before half-time
The lack of dominance was the first sign. Liverpool, with many substitutes, could not find the rhythm to suffocate their London opponents. In the 41st minute, Ismaila Sarr slightly widened the cracks in the home team's defense with a tricky left-footed shot to open the score.
The second blow came just before the break: again Sarr, doubling the lead in the final minute of the first half. When the first 45 minutes ended with the score 2-0 in favor of Crystal Palace, the odds and psychological pressure were firmly on the home team's side.
Failed attempt after the break
After the break, Chiesa and his teammates tried to push the formation and increase the speed of the ball circulation. But it was a day when Liverpool were "powerless". The attacks were not sharp enough to penetrate the visitors' defense while Palace waited for the finishing blow.
Yeremi Pino appeared at the end to close the story. The goal that sealed the 3-0 victory not only ended any hopes of a comeback but also sealed the feeling of helplessness that pervaded Anfield.
Rotation and the price to pay
Liverpool's lineup with many substitutes made the foundation of control weak. The home team could not dominate the London opponent, and received two fatal cuts at the most vulnerable times: at the end of the first half and at the end of the match.
Numbers speak for themselves.
- Score: Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace (round 4 of the English League Cup).
- Ismaila Sarr scored in the 41st minute and in the last minute of the first half; Yeremi Pino sealed the victory at the end of the match.
- The first half ended with a 2-0 lead for the away team.
- Crystal Palace beat Liverpool three times in a row this season.
- Coach Arne Slot and his team lost 6/7 recent matches.
Impact and context
The 0-3 result at Anfield extended Liverpool’s forgettable run, while Crystal Palace continued to make a difference against their big rivals this season. The fourth round of the EFL Cup showed the importance of squad depth and character at turning points – which Palace took full advantage of and Liverpool did not.
