6 LOSSES IN 7: WHY THE REDS CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

LIVERPOOL'S ALREADY BAD SEASON HITS A NEW LOW AS THEY CRASH OUT OF LEAGUE CUP

- BY SHAMSEER MOHAMMED

Liverpool players huddle before the English League Cup fourth round match against Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool on Wednesday.

(AFP)

Liverpool's season hit a new low on Wednesday as they crashed out of the League Cup with a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Ismaila Sarr struck twice before halftime, and Yeremy Pino added a late third to hand Arne Slot's side their sixth defeat in seven games across all competitions.

Slot fielded a weakened side, resting Mohammad Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz ahead of vital matches against Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City. But his gamble backfired badly, as Oliver Glasner's Palace outplayed a disjointed Liverpool that looked short on confidence and structure. Palace have already beaten Liverpool three times this season.

Disjointed press: Liverpool's pressing system has lost its trademark cohesion. Opponents are easily bypassing their pressure with long passes or quick exchanges, exposing the lack of timing and coordination across the front line and midfield.