SARR STRUCK

THINGS really are bad when Liverpool cannot even count on the Carabao Cup.

Ten times winners and 15 finals. English football’s third tier tournament traditionally provides a reliable route for a trip to Wembley at least in Spring time.

But not this season. Liverpool’s Premier League meltdown is now being mirrored in what is normally a comfort blanket competition.

They are seven points behind leaders Arsenal in seventh place. And now the confidence in the camp that was ebbing away has taken a full blown battering.

At the weekend they were undone by Brentford because they couldn’t handle a few long throw ins.

The defence was at it again last night, handing a third victory this season to Crystal Palace who are fast becoming boss Arne Slot’s bogey team.

This was the biggest defeat of Slot’s rein and a FIFTH in a row domestically.

Ismaila Sarr did the damage in four devastating minutes just before half time. The midfielder’s finishing was ruthless in the same way that

Liverpool’s defending was hapless – again. Joe Gomez providing the perfect pass for Sarr to ram home the first goal on 41 minutes.

Slot’s gamble on a youthful team backfired magnificently for those enjoying Liverpool’s wobble at present.

His team selection certainly added to the air of confusion in the camp at present.

Ten changes from the team that crumbled at the G Tech Stadium last Saturday.

A lop-sided selection that saw World Cup winner Alex Mac Allister in the same side as debutant keeper Freddy Woodman.

Young Fred was born in Croydon and started his career with Palace before finding his way to Anfield. He is the son of former England boss Gareth Southgate’s best man Andy Woodman.

Freddy won’t forget his big night. He let in three and was part of the events which saw Liverpool’s tailspinning season become a full blown crisis.

And this awful game will also live long in the memory of defender Amara Nallo – sent off 11 minutes from time to put the tin hat on a dreadful night for Slot and Liverpool.

It was only his second game and his second red card. It kinda sums things up. On the bench was midfielder Michael Laffey, whose dad runs the Glenbuck pub just across the road from Anfield.

It was probably straight over there to drown the sorrows at the final whistle only half the team are still too young to drink.

It is now back to back home defeats for Liverpool for the first time since April 2024. Back then it was Atalanta and then ironically Crystal Palace who did the damage

It was Liverpool legend Alan Hansen who famously uttered the words that ‘‘you win nothing with kids’’. At the moment they just win nothing.

Sarr scored the fatal first half goals but it was midfielder Daichi Kamada who orchestrated Liverpool’s downfall from midfield.

And Slot’s side just had no answers because the boss had chosen to leave all his experienced stars on the sidelines.

Even if they are not firing on all cylinders, it’s a wise move to have players like Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk on the bench.

Meanwhile, Slot defended his decision to name a much-changed side.

‘‘It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,’’ said Slot, who used a big week ahead as justification for his team selection.

Liverpool will aim to snap their Premier League losing streak against in-form Aston Villa on Saturday.

Real Madrid then visit Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday before a trip to Manchester City on November 9.

‘‘I couldn’t have brought them (the first team regulars) into a situation where they had to go into a week like this.

‘‘We have a game tonight, then it’s only two days to rest, play the next one, only two days’ rest, play Real Madrid and then a few days more Manchester City.

‘‘Everyone can have his opinion about it, but with the squad we have, maybe 15 or 16 first team players available, this is the choice I’ve made.’’ – SuperSport/Sun