Liverpool Shocked by Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup Thriller
London, September 27, 2025 – Arne Slot’s unbeaten start at Liverpool came to a jarring halt at Selhurst Park, as Crystal Palace stunned the Reds 2-1 in a Carabao Cup third-round classic. Set-piece strikes from Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah exposed Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities and left the Dutch manager visibly frustrated. It was Liverpool’s first loss under Slot and only their second in 18 games across all competitions.
Early Palace Pressure
Liverpool arrived with confidence after a blistering start: seven league wins, 18 goals scored, and a style echoing Klopp’s glory days. Slot rotated his squad, resting key figures like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold. But Palace, under Oliver Glasner, pressed relentlessly. A corner from Daichi Kamada found Sarr unmarked at the back post in the 23rd minute, giving the hosts a deserved lead and exposing Liverpool’s zonal marking.
Liverpool Fight Back
Despite dominating possession at 68% and registering 22 shots (seven on target), Liverpool struggled to break Palace down. Federico Chiesa’s thunderbolt in the 67th minute, following a clever flick from Harvey Elliott, temporarily restored parity. Slot’s substitutions, including Curtis Jones for Ryan Gravenberch and Jota for Núñez, added urgency, but Palace remained composed.
Late Heartbreak
In the 119th minute, a miscontrolled clearance by Milos Kerkez led to a throw-in. Chris Richards’ delivery into the box created chaos, and Nketiah pounced to score the decisive goal, sending Palace into the last 16 and leaving Liverpool stunned.
Slot’s Reaction
Speaking post-match, Slot did not mince words:
“We have to do better on set-pieces—it’s as simple as that. This league is increasingly about dead-ball situations. Last season it was a strength; now we’ve shipped two here and two against Newcastle. Unacceptable.”
Liverpool’s defensive struggles on set-pieces are becoming a trend. While the team boasts the Premier League’s top attack with 24 goals in eight games, 40% of goals conceded have come from dead-ball situations. Set-piece coach Aaron Briggs is facing scrutiny, with potential tactical adjustments on the horizon.
Broader Implications
Palace, now eighth with 12 points, are buoyed by Nketiah’s brace and Sarr’s resurgence. Slot’s Liverpool faces a grueling October with fixtures against Wolves, Arsenal, and Champions League trips, compounded by injuries to Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, and Gravenberch.
Despite the setback, Slot remains defiant:
“Frustrated? Yes. Defeated? Never. We learn from all games—even the losses.”
Liverpool’s cup exit may serve as a warning: in the modern Premier League, set-piece mastery is no longer optional. The Reds must adapt—or risk more costly lapses as the season intensifies.
