Liverpool were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening as Arne Slot named a much-changed team following the Reds’ woeful form in the Premier League. Milos Kerkez was the only Liverpool player to keep his place from the defeat at Brentford at the weekend, with no senior players even named on the bench.
Liverpool began brightly but fell behind when Ismaila Sarr pounced on a mistake by Joe Gomez in the 41st minute. And the Reds fell further behind just before half time as Sarr was teed up well before picking out the corner of the match. Liverpool were bereft of ideas and had no response at the other end as Yeremy Pino added a third late on after 18-year-old Liverpool ace Amara Nallo had been sent off 12 minutes after coming on. And Express Sport rates and slates the Reds players.
Liverpool player ratings vs Crystal Palace (5-4-1)
Freddie Woodman: 6
Made his Liverpool debut on a miserable night for the hosts. Couldn’t do too much about the opening two goals as Sarr was twice left in acres of space inside the box.
Calvin Ramsay: 4
Was handed just his third Liverpool appearance since his arrival from Aberdeen three years ago. Looked out of his depth at times against proven Premier League stars.
Wataru Endo: 5
Slotted into a back five, with the hosts actually looking defensively solid before the first goal went in. Has struggled for game time under Slot and will be unlikely to get many Premier League starts this season.
Joe Gomez: 4
Couldn’t adjust his feet, quick enough to clear the danger ahead of the first goal as Sarr took full advantage to put the visitors ahead. Experienced figure in the backline but didn’t make the impact Slot would have been looking for.
Andy Robertson: 6
Was Liverpool’s most experienced player on the pitch and attempted to guide some of the youngsters through the match. But didn’t excel in the centre of defence.
Milos Kerkez: 4
Looked rushed on the ball and lacked composure at crucial times. Lined up at left wing-back, while Andy Robertson played in the centre. Has had a tough start to life at Anfield and could find himself being replaced by the Scotland international at the weekend.
Kieran Morrison: 6
Was handed a first team debut by Slot and showed energy at times. But his opportunities to impress were limited as Liverpool were dominated.
Trey Nyoni: 6
Slot threw in plenty of youngsters for the visit of Palace and was always asking a lot from them against such an in-form side. Trey Nyoni was exposed in midfield but attempted to hold his own throughout.
Alexis Mac Allister: 4
Was invisible in the centre of the pitch and isn’t enjoying his finest season in a Liverpool shirt. Isolated in the centre of the pitch as the Eagles midfield dominated and needs to offer more.
Rio Ngumoha: 7
Sparkled in the early stages with his fancy footwork and attacking threat. And almost opened the scoring for the Reds 17 minutes in with an excellent curling effort. Dazzled again just after Slot made his first three changes. His end product will improve as he matures.
Federico Chiesa: 5
Was isolated up front and starved of service as it wasn’t the night for the Liverpool attack. Got a sniff early in the second half but his effort was blocked.
Substitutions
Wellity Lucky: 6
Came on for Andy Robertson midway through the second half.
Kaide Gordon: 7
Showed some energy after coming on for Kieran Morrison. Has quality but has been unlucky in the early part of his Reds career.
Amara Nallo: 4
Came on for Alexis Mac Allister in a triple substitution but was sent off just 12 minutes later after bringing down Justin Devenny.
Trent Kone-Doherty: 6
Came on late on for Rio Ngumoha.