Crystal Palace dismantle Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield as Sarr and Pino seal a stunning EFL Cup win and book a quarter-final place
Crystal Palace dismantle Liverpool in a breathtaking EFL Cup encounter at Anfield, sealing a 3-0 triumph that stunned home fans and booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
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Oliver Glasner’s side delivered a performance full of energy, precision, and belief. Ismaila Sarr was the standout performer, scoring twice before Yeremy Pino added a composed late finish to complete a remarkable victory over the Premier League giants.
Liverpool began the evening with promise, controlling possession and moving the ball sharply through midfield.
Federico Chiesa and young forward Rio Ngumoha both had early chances, with Chiesa forcing Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez into a fine save on 28 minutes.
But the visitors refused to be intimidated. As the half progressed, Palace grew in confidence, pressing Liverpool’s defence and exploiting gaps with pace and purpose.
Their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when Sarr reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, driving it into the bottom corner.
Four minutes later, the Senegalese winger struck again, racing onto a through pass and finishing with ruthless calm to double Palace’s lead.
Liverpool’s frustrations boiled over in the second half. Andrew Robertson and Chiesa were both cautioned for reckless challenges, before 18-year-old defender Amara Nallo was shown a straight red card for a late tackle in the 79th minute.
With the hosts reduced to ten men, Palace capitalised. In the closing moments, Yeremy Pino capped off a sparkling display with a precise low strike that nestled inside the far post, sealing a stunning 3-0 result.
For Glasner, it was a statement victory — a tactical masterclass that underscored Palace’s growing confidence and composure on big occasions.
Also read: Liverpool lose to Chelsea in last-gasp defeat
Liverpool, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a humbling night that exposed their defensive vulnerabilities and discipline.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
