Slot defends youth as Liverpool crash out

Arne Slot’s rotated Liverpool crashed 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last 16, as Ismaila Sarr struck twice before halftime and 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off; Yeremy Pino added a late third in the rain. Slot defended giving teenagers minutes, citing club tradition and a packed schedule, while Stephen Warnock and Pat Nevin criticized the approach as excuse-making and de-prioritizing the cup. Liverpool have lost six of their past seven in all competitions and four straight in the league, with Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City looming.