Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Player Ratings: Ismaila Sarr Scores Twice as Eagles Shock Anfield 3-0

In a stunning Carabao Cup upset, Crystal Palace dismantled a youthful Liverpool side with a clinical 3-0 victory at Anfield. From our perspective, this was a night where experience triumphed emphatically over potential. The Eagles were simply ruthless. They capitalized on every mistake Liverpool made. The damage was done in a devastating first-half spell. Ismaïla Sarr's quick-fire brace before the break left the home side reeling. What stood out to us was the sheer shock around the stadium.

Liverpool's defense, particularly Joe Gomez, had a night to forget. His error for one of the goals was a moment he'll want to erase from memory. The second half saw Yéremy Pino add a third, capping a man-of-the-match performance that included a goal and an assist. This match will be remembered as a tactical masterclass from Oliver Glasner's men. They came to Anfield with a clear plan and executed it to perfection, securing their place in the next round.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman - 6.5: We thought he was left brutally exposed by his defence. He pulled off six saves, including a few impressive stops to prevent the scoreline from becoming even more embarrassing. However, conceding three goals at home is never a good look for a goalkeeper. He couldn't have done much for the goals themselves. A very difficult evening for him between the sticks.

Defenders

Calvin Ramsay - 6.0: A mixed bag of a performance from our view. He was frequently drawn into fouls and won an impressive five of them for his team. However, he lost possession 18 times which is far too many. He tried to get forward but his final ball was lacking. You can see the talent is there, but he looked rusty.

Joe Gomez - 5.0: A disastrous night for the experienced centre-back. His glaring error led directly to a goal, a moment that completely deflated the team. He looked shaky all game and his 8 clearances were a sign of the immense pressure he was under. From our perspective, he was the worst performer on the pitch. A performance to quickly forget.

Milos Kerkez - 6.0: He was part of a backline that was torn apart, so it's hard to rate him highly. He did manage two key passes and created a couple of chances which was a positive. Defensively though, he lost more duels than he won and struggled to contain Palace's rampant attackers. There was effort, but not enough quality.

Andrew Robertson - 6.0: The captain tried to lead by example but couldn't galvanize his troops. He was his usual energetic self down the left flank before being substituted. Picked up a yellow card for his troubles and was part of a defence that was all at sea. Not the influential performance we expect from him.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo - 5.5: He really struggled to get a grip on the midfield battle. We noticed he lost possession 11 times and was dispossessed on three occasions, which is simply too high. While he did make a couple of tackles, he was largely bypassed by Palace's quick transitions. Not his best night in a Liverpool shirt.

Alexis Mac Allister - 6.5: One of the few who showed glimpses of class before being taken off. His passing was crisp, and he tried to make things happen from deep. But, he couldn't impose himself on the game in a meaningful way. It felt like he was fighting a losing battle in the middle of the park.

Trey Nyoni - 6.5: We were quite impressed with the youngster in what were incredibly tough circumstances for a full debut. He showed composure on the ball with an 88% pass accuracy and even created a chance. He never hid and always wanted the ball. A definite learning experience for him, and he didn't look out of place.

Forwards

Federico Chiesa - 6.5: He looked like Liverpool's most likely source of a goal, which isn't saying much. He had a shot on target saved and was a constant nuisance with his running. However, he was often isolated and grew frustrated as the game went on. At least he showed some fight and intent.

Kieran Morrison - 6.0: The youngster had a golden opportunity with a header in the first half that he should have done better with. He worked hard but struggled to make an impact against a very organized Crystal Palace defence. Substituted after 67 minutes, a tough lesson in senior football for him.

Rio Ngumoha - 6.0: Showed some nice touches and a willingness to run at his man. He drew a couple of fouls and had a couple of shots, but his end product was missing. Like many of the young players, the occasion seemed a bit too much. He has potential but was ineffective here.

Manager

A. Slot - 4.5: A baptism of fire in the Carabao Cup. His heavily rotated team selection backfired spectacularly. The team looked disjointed, defensively frail, and lacked any real attacking cohesion. To be beaten 3-0 at home, regardless of the lineup, is a poor result. A tough night at the office for the Dutch manager.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Goalkeeper

Walter Benítez - 7.0: He had a surprisingly quiet night for a trip to Anfield. He only had to make one save but commanded his area well, claiming two high balls with confidence. A clean sheet is a clean sheet, and he did everything asked of him with minimal fuss. A solid, professional performance.

Defenders

Maxence Lacroix - 7.5: What stood out to us was his composure at the back. He made 6 crucial clearances and was very tidy in possession. He won all of his duels, though there were only two, showing his efficiency. A really strong and reliable performance as part of a fantastic defensive unit.

Marc Guéhi - 8.5: An absolute colossus and a true captain's performance. He read the game impeccably, making 5 interceptions and 9 ball recoveries. He was superb on the ball, spraying passes around with an 88% success rate. He completely nullified Liverpool's young attackers. A dominant display.

Jaydee Canvot - 8.0: We were incredibly impressed by this performance. An astounding 95% pass accuracy from a defender is something special. He also made 7 clearances and 3 interceptions, showing his defensive prowess. He was calm, collected, and a rock at the back for the Eagles.

Midfielders

Daniel Muñoz - 7.0: He was a bundle of energy down the right-hand side. Defensively solid, winning 5 duels and making 4 clearances. He provided a good outlet for his team before being substituted. A disciplined and effective performance.

Daichi Kamada - 7.0: The silent operator in midfield who kept everything ticking over for Palace. His 90% pass accuracy was vital in controlling the tempo of the game. He worked hard defensively too, making a couple of interceptions. A very intelligent and understated performance from the Japanese international.

Will Hughes - 6.5: A typically industrious performance from Hughes before he was subbed off. He did the dirty work in midfield, breaking up play and keeping things simple. He wasn't spectacular, but he played his role perfectly in the team's game plan. A solid shift.

Borna Sosa - 7.5: Excellent display from the wing-back. He was a constant threat going forward, putting in 5 crosses and creating a chance. He was also diligent with his defensive duties, making a block and a tackle. A well-rounded and impactful game from him.

Forwards

Ismaïla Sarr - 9.0: Absolutely clinical. He was the difference-maker in the first half, taking his two goals with ruthless efficiency. His pace and movement terrified the Liverpool backline. His five shots, all on target, show just how sharp he was. A classic, game-winning performance.

Yéremy Pino - 9.5: The best player on the pitch, without a doubt. He was simply unplayable. He scored a goal, provided an assist, and created a staggering five chances for his teammates. He was a whirlwind of skill and energy that Liverpool just couldn't handle. A perfect performance and our Man of the Match.

Eddie Nketiah - 6.0: It was a quiet first half for the striker. He worked hard to press the Liverpool defence but didn't get any real service or clear-cut chances. Substituted at half-time as part of a tactical switch, but he played his part in the team's pressing structure.

Manager

O. Glasner - 9.0: A tactical masterclass from the Austrian. He set his team up perfectly to exploit Liverpool's weaknesses. The game plan to press high and counter with speed worked flawlessly. His side was organized, disciplined, and clinical. To win 3-0 at Anfield is a huge achievement.

Sportsdunia's Man Of The Match is Ismaïla Sarr