Manager Arne Slott watched as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals as a much-changed Liverpool slumped to six defeats in seven games.
Oliver Glasner’s Eagles defeated the Reds for the third time this season, following a shootout victory in the Community Shield and last month’s Premier League win at Anfield at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool’s bold decision to make 10 changes to manager Slott backfired in front of a packed house, but FA Cup holders Palace won 3-0 in the fourth round thanks to Sarr’s two goals in the first half and Jeremy Pino’s late goal.
Slott and his teammates got off to a bright start in Wednesday’s match, with familiar foe Sarr scoring twice at the end of the opening period to take his tally to seven in nine games against Liverpool.
Palace continued their good form in the second half. The tie was over by the time Reds’ teenage substitute Amara Naro was sent off in the 79th minute, but Pino added more sparkle in the second half.
defender and goalkeeper
Freddie Woodman – 5
Even Freddie Woodman would have been surprised to be approached by Liverpool in the summer, but he also started against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman played a fairly complete game, unable to deny Sarr’s two first-half goals and Pinot’s late effort.
Calvin Ramsey – 6
Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on Liverpool’s much-changed team sheet. The Reds have had problems at right-back lately, so why not turn to the forgotten man?
The Scot, who finally returned to Anfield after a disappointing loan spell and injury troubles, was one of the home side’s brightest lights, particularly in the first half. He also earned bonus points for a brilliant cross-field pass that Liverpool fans had been accustomed to seeing penetrate down the right flank for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.
Joe Gomez – 3
It was a difficult night for Joe Gomez. A loose touch allowed Sarr the first goal, but poor positioning allowed Sarr the second goal four minutes into the first half.
It was a frustrating match for those at Anfield who saw Gomez get off to a solid start with a solid lead before mistakes crept into the game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a drop in the performance of their other senior centre-back.
Andy Robertson – 4
In the unfamiliar role of centre-back, it became clear from early on that Andy Robertson was not in his preferred position. His performance under these circumstances deserves praise, but it cannot be denied that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was appropriate for the Reds to play full-back to center-back against Marc Guehi, as the Reds were clearly frustrated.
That said, Robertson will be left wondering what he has to do to regain his left-back spot as Liverpool’s dismal defensive form continues.
Milos Kerkes – 4
Speaking of Liverpool’s left-backs, it was another frustrating night for Milos Kerkes. He continues to look rushed in possession and hasty on defense. Although not as tested as the previous week, the Hungarian international was wasteful at times and did little to help the insensitive nature of Liverpool’s front line.
midfielder
Wataru Endo – 4
When Wataru Endo took to the Anfield turf last season, it often signaled game over for the opposition team. The Japanese team easily shut out the game that night and earned the three points multiple times. But this season, he has struggled to make the same impact.
Suddenly, his weakness in possession is no longer hidden, but in the last campaign he was protected by his work rate and solidity. Once again he played loosely against Palace and was far from helping his side’s attempts to take the lead.
Trey Nyoni – 4
It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. The highly regarded young midfielder at Liverpool has a perfect feel for the tempo of his Premier League opponents and often finds himself misplaced with his passes.
Those at Anfield have witnessed his unique composure in the middle of the park during pre-season, but he has learned the hard way that time will not always be given to him at senior level.
Sadly, it has to be said that senior members of the team could have done a little more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.
Alexis Mac Allister – 3
Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players in winning the title last season. Together with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenbirch, he formed an excellent midfield. However, like many teams in the slot these days, he has lost his way in the current campaign.
The Argentine, who is still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, looked at his best again against Crystal Palace. Depending on his form, Slott faces an alarming dilemma on how to solve his current problems in the middle of the park.
forward
Kieran Morrison – 5
Kieran Morrison, who joined the team at the age of 18, got off to a good start before gradually starting to struggle against his senior opponents. It wasn’t the first-team debut he had dreamed of, but it’s still a moment in his career to cherish at Anfield.
Things might have been different if at least he had enjoyed better service.
Ngumoha River – 6
Liverpool’s biggest bright spot, Rio Ngmoha, ensured a tough start to the night for Jaydee Cambot and co with a sensational shot into the top right corner of the goal in the first half. The 17-year-old’s ability to deal with players remains exceptional and he may get more chances in the coming months.
Liverpool’s attacking line-up is full of big-money contracts, but Ngmoha’s quality has led to questions about his game time despite his young age.
Federico Chiesa – 6
Federico Chiesa looked to give Liverpool the lead early on, but his shot went wide. It was actually an opportunity for the Italians, who once again struggled despite racking up tough yards.
Even in a loss, his work rate should have drawn attention to the slot. Chiesa, along with his other senior teammates, could provide a solution to the Reds’ attack struggles.
substitute: Welty Lackey (5), Amara Naro (sent off, 2), Kaide Gordon (6), Trent Cone-Doherty (4)
