When Crystal Palace marched into Anfield on October 29, 2025, few expected them to leave with a 3-0 win — let alone a hat-trick of victories over the reigning Premier League champions in just three months. But that’s exactly what happened. Under a drizzly Liverpool sky, Crystal Palace dismantled a weakened Liverpool side, sending shockwaves through English football. The final whistle blew at 9:45 PM UTC, sealing a performance so complete it left even the 53,394 fans in the stands silent. This wasn’t just an upset. It was a statement.
A Season of Reversals
It’s easy to forget, but Crystal Palace had already beaten Liverpool twice this season. First, in the Community Shield on August 10, 2025, when they won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Then, on September 27, in a 2-1 Premier League thriller at Selhurst Park. Now, in the Carabao Cup, they’d done it again — and this time, with a performance that felt like payback for years of being dismissed as underdogs.Manager Oliver Glasner, the 49-year-old Austrian who took over in June 2024, didn’t just outthink Arne Slot. He outplayed him. While Slot made 10 changes — retaining only left-back Milos Kerkez — Glasner stuck with his core, making just five tweaks. The result? A team that looked hungry, organized, and utterly fearless.
Sarr’s Night of Redemption
If there was a single name etched into this night, it was Ismaïla Sarr. The 27-year-old Senegalese winger, who’s now scored seven goals in nine career matches against Liverpool, turned Anfield into his personal stage. His first goal in the 42nd minute came after a devastating pass from Daichi Kamada split Liverpool’s backline. Sarr didn’t even break stride — just a touch, a curl, and the net rippled.Two minutes later, he doubled the lead. This time, it was a team move: Will Hughes held the ball, Marc Guéhi drifted into space, and the ball found Sarr again. He didn’t need a second invitation. A left-footed finish, low and hard, past debutant goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. The crowd, still buzzing from the opening whistle, had no time to react.
At halftime, the stats told the story: Palace had 46% possession but generated 0.90 expected goals to Liverpool’s 0.38. Eight shots to six. Four on target to one. And yet, Liverpool’s front line — including Federico Chiesa, who missed two sitter chances — looked like strangers in their own stadium.
Red Card, Final Nail
The second half was more of the same. Palace controlled the tempo, kept Liverpool pinned back, and continued to probe. Then, in the 79th minute, everything unraveled for the hosts.Eighteen-year-old academy defender Amara Nallo, making only his second appearance, brought down substitute Justin Devenny as he broke through on goal. No hesitation from referee Paul Tierney. Red card. Anfield gasped. Liverpool, down to ten, looked finished.
It got worse. In the 88th minute, Yeremy Pino, the 22-year-old Spanish midfielder signed from Villarreal in July 2025, took a pass from Maxence Lacroix, cut inside, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. First goal for Palace. Last nail in Liverpool’s coffin.
The Bigger Picture
This loss marks Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven matches since their September 27 loss at Selhurst Park. Their only win in that span? A 2-1 victory over League Two side Wrexham in the FA Cup. The reigning champions are now 11 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, with a crucial clash looming at the Etihad on November 2.Slot’s tactics are under fire. Rotating a squad with Champions League commitments is one thing. But fielding an entire bench of academy players — including Nallo, 18, and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha — against a top-six rival in a cup tie? That’s not rotation. That’s resignation.
For Palace, this is history. They’ve reached the Carabao Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2021. And with their FA Cup win last season, they’re now two wins away from a potential domestic double — a feat no team outside the ‘Big Six’ has achieved in over a decade.
What’s Next?
Liverpool face Manchester City on Sunday. If they lose again, Slot’s job security will be in serious doubt. Meanwhile, Palace will prepare for a quarterfinal draw that could see them face Chelsea, Arsenal, or even Manchester United. The Eagles aren’t just surviving — they’re thriving.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Liverpool make so many changes?
Manager Arne Slot rotated heavily due to a congested fixture list, including a Premier League clash with Manchester City just days later. But fielding 10 changes — including a 18-year-old debutant in defense — was seen as disrespectful by many fans and pundits, especially against a team that had already beaten them twice this season.
How unusual is it for Crystal Palace to beat Liverpool three times in one season?
Extremely rare. Before 2025, Crystal Palace had never beaten Liverpool three times in a single calendar year in any competition. Their only previous triple victory over the Reds came in the 1978-79 season, and that was in the old First Division. This season’s run is unprecedented in the modern Premier League era.
What does this mean for Ismaïla Sarr’s legacy?
Sarr has now scored seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool — more than any other player in Premier League history against the Reds. His record includes goals in every competition: Premier League, FA Cup, and now the Carabao Cup. He’s become Palace’s most feared opponent in their biggest games.
How did Crystal Palace’s defense hold up against Liverpool’s attack?
Despite Liverpool’s 54% possession and 80% pass accuracy, Palace’s backline — anchored by Marc Guéhi and Daniel Muñoz — kept a clean sheet. They blocked 17 shots, won 24 duels, and intercepted 14 passes. Their compact shape and disciplined transitions nullified Liverpool’s usual fluidity, proving they’re no longer just a counterattacking side.
What’s the significance of Yeremy Pino’s goal?
Pino’s goal wasn’t just his first for Palace — it was the first goal scored by a Villarreal loanee-turned-permanent signing against Liverpool in over 15 years. His calm finish under pressure symbolized Palace’s growing confidence. He’s now a key piece in Glasner’s rebuild, and his development could be pivotal in their cup run.
Could this loss cost Arne Slot his job?
If Liverpool lose to Manchester City on November 2, the pressure will become unbearable. The club’s hierarchy is already uneasy about the lack of cohesion and intensity in recent performances. While Slot has backing from the board, a third consecutive loss — especially in such a humiliating fashion — could trigger an early review of his future.
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