Liverpool thrashed by Palace, holders Newcastle through in League Cup

Liverpool’s recent woes continued as they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the League Cup on Wednesday, marking their sixth loss in seven games across all competitions. Manager Arne Slot opted to rest most of his regular starters, a strategy mirrored by other Premier League clubs, leaving the Reds’ second-string lineup exposed. Ismaila Sarr was the star of the night, scoring twice for Palace, while Yeremy Pino added a third to compound Liverpool’s misery. The match at Anfield saw Liverpool reduced to 10 men after Amara Nallo’s red card, further dampening the spirits of the home fans. This defeat marked the first time since 1934 that Liverpool lost a domestic cup match at Anfield by three goals without scoring. Meanwhile, holders Newcastle United advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade. Arsenal also secured their spot with a 2-0 win over Brighton, while Manchester City and Chelsea overcame Swansea City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively, in thrilling encounters. Slot acknowledged the dire situation, stating, ‘Every Liverpool game is a must-win,’ as the team prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.