Liverpool crisis mounts after League Cup exit against Palace

AFP | London

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Liverpool crashed out of the League Cup on Wednesday as Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win in the fourth round added to the mounting crisis at Anfield.

Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half and Yeremy Pino grabbed the third to condemn Arne Slot’s side to a sixth defeat in their last seven games in all competitions.

Slot fielded a weakened team as he prioritised Liverpool’s crucial games against Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City over the next two weeks.

But it was still another embarrassing result for Liverpool, coming hot on the heels of a 3-2 loss at Brentford on Saturday that further dented their spluttering Premier League title defence.

The Reds have lost their last four league matches and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points.

“It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” Slot said. “But it’s only two days to rest, play the next one, then only two days’ rest, play Real Madrid and then a few days more for Man City.

“Everyone can have his opinion about it, but with the squad we are having maybe 15, 16 first team players available, this is the choice I’ve made.

“The pressure was already very high for the upcoming week where we again have to face three very difficult teams.”

Assailed by criticism of their defensive failings and the poor form of blockbuster summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s fall from grace has been stunning.

Isak, Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were all absent as Slot made 10 changes and fielded teenagers Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.

It was a gamble that never looked like working and FA Cup holders Palace have now defeated Liverpool three times in the space of just 80 days.

They beat the Reds on penalties in the Community Shield and 2-1 in the Premier League.

Slot switched to a back three in a bid to revitalise Liverpool, but the move backfired when Joe Gomez’s mistake allowed Sarr to rifle home from 12 yards in the 41st minute.

Senegal winger Sarr increased Palace’s lead on the stroke of half-time, netting from Pino’s pass in front of the shellshocked Kop.

Liverpool substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute for a professional foul on Justin Devenny.

Pino slotted in Palace’s third in the 88th minute to book a last eight trip to Arsenal.

Man City survive scare

Holders Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0 at St James’ Park to set up a quarter-final visit from Fulham.

Fabian Schar headed Newcastle’s opener from Sandro Tonali’s 24th-minute corner and Nick Woltemade nodded in the second goal from Jacob Ramsey’s cross on 50 minutes.

Manchester City came from behind to win 3-1 at second-tier Swansea, securing a quarter-final at home to Brentford.

City, featuring 10 changes from the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa last week, trailed to Goncalo Franco’s 12th-minute goal.