Liverpool were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Crystal Palace on Wednesday night as manager Arne Slott named a significantly changed squad following the Reds’ disastrous run in the Premier League. Milos Kerkes was the only Liverpool player to keep his place from the defeat to Brentford at the weekend, with no senior names on the bench.
Liverpool started well, but fell back in the 41st minute when Ismaila Sarr took advantage of a mistake by Joe Gomez. And the Reds were even worse off just before half-time when Sarr teed up the ball before hitting the top corner. Liverpool were out of ideas and their opponents were unresponsive, but Yeremy Pino added a third late on after 18-year-old Liverpool ace Amara Naro was sent off 12 minutes into the game.
Express Sport rates and predicts the Reds’ players following another defeat.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace player ratings (5-4-1)
Freddie Woodman: 6
He made his Liverpool debut on a disastrous night for the hosts. Sarr couldn’t do much about the first two goals as he was twice left stranded in Acre’s space in the box.
Calvin Ramsey: 4
It was his third appearance for Liverpool since arriving from Aberdeen three years ago. At times, he looked mean against an established Premier League star.
Wataru Endo: 5
Deployed in the back five, the hosts actually looked solid defensively before the first goal. He has struggled for game time in the slot and is unlikely to make many starts in the Premier League this season.
Joe Gomez: 4
He was unable to adjust his feet quickly enough to avoid danger in front of the first goal, as Sarr took full advantage to put the visitors ahead. Although he was an experienced figure in the backline, he was unable to make the impact that Slott might have been looking for.
Andy Robertson: 6
He was Liverpool’s most experienced player on the pitch and tried to guide some of the younger players throughout the match. However, he wasn’t great as a center of defense.
Milos Kerkes: 4
He looked like he was rushing the ball and lacked composure in key moments. Alongside left wing-back, Andy Robertson played in the centre. He has had a tough start to his time at Anfield and could be replaced by the Scotland international at the weekend.
Kieran Morrison: 6
He was entrusted with making his debut with the first team from the slot, and showed a sense of dynamism at times. However, his chances to make a good impression were limited as Liverpool were dominated.
Trey Nyoni: 6
Slott brought in a lot of young players for the visit to Palace and always expected a lot from them against such an in-form team. Trey Nyoni was exposed in midfield but tried to hold his own until the end.
Alexis Mac Allister: 4
He’s been under the radar in the middle of the pitch and hasn’t enjoyed his best season in a Liverpool shirt. Due to the dominance of the Eagles’ midfield, they were isolated in the center of the pitch and needed more contributions.
Rio Ngmoha: 7
He shined from the beginning with his brilliant footwork and threatening attacks. The Reds almost took the lead in the 17th minute with some great curling. Shortly after Slot made his first three changes, he was dazzled again. His final product will improve as he grows.
Federico Chiesa: 5
It wasn’t Liverpool’s attacking night and they were isolated up front and starved for service. He was sniffed out early in the second half, but his shot was blocked.
replacement
Welty lucky: 6
He came on in place of Robertson midway through the second half.
Kaide Gordon: 7
Showed energy after coming on for Kieran Morrison. Despite his quality, he was unlucky early in his Reds career.
Amara Naro: 4
He came on as a three-man substitute with Alexis Mac Allister, but was sent off after just 12 minutes for bringing down Justin Deveney.
Trent Cohn-Doherty: 6
He came on at the end of the match, replacing Rio Ngmoja.
