It is the fifth defeat in the last six matches for Slot and the fourth in a row in their own stadium. Although the League Cup is not exactly considered a major prize. Last season Liverpool did reach the final of the second cup tournament. They then lost to Newcastle United: 2-1.
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Liverpool came into play with a completely changed team. Trainer Arne Slot had changed his team in no fewer than ten places compared to the 3-2 loss against Brentford last weekend. Almost all basic players were rested, including Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo. They weren’t on the couch either.
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The only player who started against Crystal Palace and also played against Brentford was Milos Kerkez. Slot made goalkeeper Freddie Woodman’s debut and started with three teenagers: 17-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison.
Ismaïla Sarr makes it 0-2 © ANP/HH
Two blows for Liverpool
Just before half-time, Ismaïla Sarr hurt the home team twice. The attacker from Senegal struck in the 41st minute and in injury time of the first half.
Twice Sarr was ice cold. The first time he shot in from the left and the second time he did so from the right after the guests had torn Liverpool’s defense to pieces.
How did Liverpool fare after the break?
Liverpool did not score anymore in the second half, meaning that the League Cup adventure for Slot and co is over and the Dutch trainer can focus on the Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup with the club from Northern England. Crystal Palace hurt Liverpool one more time. Yeremi Pino scored the third goal just before the end.