Liverpool made ten changes from the side beaten by Brentford last weekend, with teenagers Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison all handed starts. The decision reflected Slot’s intent to rest senior players ahead of a gruelling run of fixtures that includes clashes with Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.

But the gamble unravelled quickly. A defensive mix-up allowed Ismaila Sarr to open the scoring after 41 minutes, and the Senegalese winger doubled his tally just four minutes later, finishing off a sharp counterattack started by Yeremy Pino. The two quick goals silenced Anfield and gave Palace a commanding half-time lead.

Liverpool’s attempts to recover in the second half lacked rhythm and maturity. Federico Chiesa came closest to pulling one back but squandered two good chances, one flying over the bar and another comfortably saved by Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Slot’s side dominated possession but rarely threatened a well-organised Eagles defence marshalled by captain Marc Guehi.

The night worsened when 18-year-old defender Amara Nallo, introduced as a substitute, was shown a straight red card in the 79th minute for bringing down Justin Devenny, who was racing clear on goal. With Liverpool down to ten men, Pino compounded their misery by curling home a third in the closing stages.

The defeat marks Liverpool’s sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions, a worrying slide for a side that just months ago lifted the Premier League trophy. While Slot defended his rotation policy, fans voiced frustration at seeing their club exit a competition they had won twice in the previous four seasons.

Palace, meanwhile, continue their remarkable surge under manager Oliver Glasner. The win was their third consecutive victory over Liverpool this season following triumphs in the Community Shield and Premier League and sends them through to the quarter-finals for the first time in over two decades.

The Eagles’ attacking duo of Sarr and Pino tormented Liverpool’s defence throughout, with Lerma and Eze dictating midfield tempo. Palace’s efficiency contrasted sharply with Liverpool’s youthful indecision, as the visitors soaked up pressure and struck with precision on the counter.

For Slot, there were few positives beyond the lively display of 17-year-old Ngumoha, who thrilled the crowd with his footwork and direct running. Yet even his energy couldn’t mask Liverpool’s defensive frailties and lack of composure issues that will concern the Dutch manager ahead of tougher upcoming assignments.

Liverpool now turns their attention to Aston Villa in the Premier League before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League next week. Palace, on the other hand, will face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, full of belief that their golden spell under Glasner is far from over.