Liverpool’s EFL Cup journey came to a sudden and humbling end after a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, leaving fans stunned and questions mounting over manager Arne Slot’s selection choices. The Dutch coach, who led the Reds to Premier League glory in his debut season, now finds himself under increasing pressure as Liverpool’s form spirals — six defeats in their last seven games paint a worrying picture.
Slot’s decision to rest senior players including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitike backfired spectacularly as a youthful and inexperienced lineup struggled to cope with Palace’s intensity. The result saw Liverpool exit the Carabao Cup at the round of 16 — a competition they had lifted twice in the past four years and reached the final of last season.
Arne Slot’s Risky Rotation
The Dutchman defended his team selection after the loss, emphasizing Liverpool’s long-standing tradition of giving opportunities to academy players in the domestic cup competitions.
“This club has always used this competition for academy players as well,” Slot said after the game. “It felt to me the right decision and I’ve not changed my opinion of that because we lost.”
Slot made 10 changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Brentford in the Premier League, naming three teenagers in his starting XI and five more on the bench. Among them was 18-year-old defender Amara Nallo, who endured a night to forget after being sent off early in the second half.
Palace Punish Liverpool’s Youth
Liverpool began brightly, pressing high and dominating possession early on, but Crystal Palace’s counterattacking efficiency exposed their inexperience. Ismaila Sarr struck twice before half-time to silence Anfield, capitalizing on defensive errors and lapses in concentration from the youthful Reds backline.
The dismissal of Nallo in the 58th minute ended any realistic hope of a comeback, and Yeremy Pino’s late strike sealed a commanding 3-0 victory for the visitors. The heavy rain over Anfield matched the mood of the home crowd — frustration mixed with disbelief.
A Mounting Fixture List for Slot
The timing of Liverpool’s collapse couldn’t be worse. In the next ten days, they face Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City — a run that could define their season. Critics have accused Slot of underestimating the value of momentum and confidence, particularly after such a dominant first campaign in charge.
Still, Slot insists his choices were calculated, pointing out that rival managers such as Pep Guardiola also made wholesale changes for their EFL Cup ties.
“I saw City’s line-up and I don’t think they had one starter from the weekend,” he said. “Maybe that gives a little bit of an insight into how big their squad is. We were missing four players and still had to start with four under the age of 19.”
Liverpool’s Fatigue Problem
Slot acknowledged that fixture congestion and player fatigue have been major issues.
“Against Brentford it was two days after Frankfurt away, and I saw a team struggling to play three games in seven days. But it’s not an excuse,” he explained. “It’s a new challenge to play in both the Premier League and Champions League every week. Our squad might not be as deep as people think.”
What Next for the Reds?
Liverpool’s season now hangs in the balance. With several key fixtures ahead, Slot must rally his squad and rediscover the chemistry that brought so much success last year. Fans have grown restless, but the manager remains defiant, urging patience as his revamped side adapts to the demands of multiple competitions.
The defeat to Crystal Palace may have been a painful setback, but it could also serve as a turning point. Whether Slot can steady the ship and reignite Liverpool’s spark will be the true test of his leadership in what has quickly become a defining period of his Anfield tenure.