SARR PRIZE

Palace dreaming of more cup glory after Ismaila double adds to champions' woes

- BY IAN DOYLE

ISMAILA SARR ensured Crystal Palace completed a rare hat-trick against Liverpool to take a step nearer a return to Wembley and deepen the gloom for beleaguered Arne Slot.

The Eagles celebrated a third successive win this season over the Premier League champions to progress to the League Cup quarterfinals for the second year in a row.

And it ensured a sixth defeat in seven for listless Liverpool, their worst such run of results in almost 16 years.

Sarr once more proved the difference against the Reds, netting a quickfire double before halftime.

That took him on to seven goals in nine games against Liverpool before Yeremy Pino's late strike completed an easy away win.

"Can we play you every week?" came the chant from the jubilant Palace fans towards full-time before a pointed, "You're getting sacked in the morning" towards Reds boss Slot.