Sarr Double Sinks Young Liverpool in Carabao Cup

Published: 30 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Crystal Palace haunted Liverpool once again, and for Arne Slot, the sting of defeat may go far beyond the scoreline. The Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at Anfield highlighted the inherent risk of fielding a heavily rotated squad. With Premier League matches against Aston Villa and a challenging European tie with Real Madrid on the horizon, the pressure is mounting on the Liverpool manager to balance squad rotation with results.

The FA Cup and Community Shield winners secured a place in the quarter-finals thanks to a first-half double from Ismaïla Sarr. The Senegalese forward has developed a reputation as a Premier League nemesis for Liverpool, scoring seven goals in nine appearances against them, representing both Palace and Watford. Oliver Glasner’s side thus notched their third victory over Slot’s team in just 80 days, deepening concerns about Liverpool’s current form and squad depth.

Slot made ten changes to the starting lineup, resting most of his senior players. His priority was clear: the upcoming Premier League encounter with Aston Villa. Yet, this strategy exposed Liverpool to the ruthless efficiency of Palace, a side experienced enough to exploit such vulnerabilities. What unfolded was a game dominated not by sheer individual brilliance from the home side but by collective intelligence, composure, and clinical execution.

Liverpool, despite their rotated lineup, showed flashes of promise. Among the highlights was 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, one of the most enterprising players on the pitch. Ngumoha tested Walter Benítez with a curling effort and created Liverpool’s best chance of the first half by setting up Federico Chiesa, whose low shot from a tight angle was expertly blocked. These moments hinted at potential, but in the end, Liverpool lacked the experience and composure to capitalize.

Glasner, reflecting on the early stages of the match, commented, “Initially, the first 15 minutes were disappointing. The players seemed still in their hotel beds.” Once Palace found their rhythm, however, their experience quickly dictated proceedings. Daichi Kamada orchestrated both of Palace’s opening goals, threading precise passes down the centre. The first came when Sarr converted a rebound off Joe Gomez, and only four minutes later, Sarr combined with Yéremy Pino to score again, leaving Liverpool’s goalkeeper Freddie Woodman helpless.

Sarr’s performance was exemplary, showcasing not only his lethal finishing but also his intelligent movement and ability to exploit gaps in the Liverpool defense. Glasner praised him, stating, “He is progressing massively in terms of scoring. Our style suits him, and when he has space, he thrives, as seen in a game like this.” The Senegalese forward’s understanding with his teammates was evident, particularly in his quick interplay with Pino, who later added a third goal to complete the rout.

Liverpool’s night worsened after the interval. The introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta for Eddie Nketiah strengthened Palace’s dominance and highlighted Liverpool’s lack of depth on the bench. Mateta twice found himself in clear positions but was denied by last-ditch defending, underlining the visitors’ superior tactical organization.

Adding to Liverpool’s woes, substitute Amara Nallo was shown a straight red card for a foul on Justin Devenny, echoing a similar dismissal he suffered last season against PSV Eindhoven. This further exposed the inexperience within Liverpool’s squad and compounded their defensive frailties. Pino then applied the finishing touch with his first goal for Palace, a clinical strike into the bottom corner that left Woodman with no chance.

The result extends Liverpool’s troubling run, marking their sixth defeat in seven games and the heaviest under Slot’s management at Anfield. For the manager, the loss raises pressing questions about squad rotation, player readiness, and the risks associated with prioritizing future fixtures over immediate results. While youth players like Ngumoha showed promise, the overall balance between energy, skill, and experience proved insufficient against a seasoned Palace side.

For Crystal Palace, the victory provides confidence and momentum. They demonstrated tactical discipline, superior game management, and the ability to exploit even small mistakes from their opponents. The match also reaffirmed Sarr’s growing stature as a player capable of decisive performances against top-tier sides, while Glasner’s substitutions and game plan highlighted the value of experience and depth in a knockout competition.

Liverpool now face a critical period. With matches against Aston Villa and Real Madrid looming, Slot must navigate a delicate balancing act between maintaining fitness, ensuring player readiness, and addressing defensive vulnerabilities. The Carabao Cup exit, while not catastrophic in the long term, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of misjudged squad rotation.

The young Liverpool players, while courageous, were ultimately outclassed in composure and tactical awareness. Ngumoha’s promising display and Chiesa’s efforts underline that there is potential for growth, but experience in handling high-pressure games remains a limiting factor. Nallo’s red card, a repeat of past indiscretions, further emphasizes the need for discipline and guidance for Liverpool’s emerging talents.

For Palace, the win is a testament to smart management, tactical clarity, and clinical execution. Glasner’s side not only triumphed but also showcased the importance of preparation, patience, and exploiting the slightest weaknesses in the opposition. The team’s composure under pressure, combined with Sarr’s scoring instincts, ensured that Liverpool’s young squad had little chance of mounting a comeback.

As Liverpool look ahead, questions linger about the sustainability of Slot’s rotation strategy and the readiness of the next generation of players to handle top-flight pressure. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace advance comfortably, demonstrating that experience, discipline, and calculated aggression remain vital in knockout competitions.