Stephen Warnock’s pre-game Liverpool vs Crystal Palace prediction came true, ‘I feel sorry for Andy Robertson’
Arne Slot’s decision to field a youthful Liverpool starting XI against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup backfired on the Reds boss.
Slot made 10 changes from the team that started Liverpool’s 3-2 Premier League defeat to Brentford four days earlier.
Crystal Palace ran out 3-0 winners against Liverpool, as Oliver Glasner elected to start strongly at Anfield, which saw them progress to face Arsenal in the next round.
Liverpool have now lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, with Slot coming under increasing pressure.
Ismaila Sarr wins Milos Kerkez battle
Milos Kerkez was the only survivor from the Brentford match, with his left-back deputy Andy Robertson filling in at centre-back.
Before the match, Stephen Warnock told BBC Sport [29 October]: “I feel sorry for Andrew Robertson that he is playing left centre-back, but again I think that is down to them not having enough cover in that position.
“Milos Kerkez has not been at his best. However, he is going against Ismaila Sarr and that is not an easy task. It could backfire.
“He has had a tough start to his Liverpool career, but if he can learn anything, learn off Andrew Robertson tonight.“
Sarr went on to score two goals and Kerkez was slammed by Liverpool fans on social media for his performance.
Kerkez struggles again as Arne Slot issue remains
Sarr had the most shots on goal of any player in the match, suggesting further that the Palace winger got the better of Kerkez.
Kerkez won just three of his nine duels, and against a vastly more experienced Palace side, Liverpool struggled to create clear cut chances.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Accurate Passes % | 75% |
| Duels | 9 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 2 |
| Ground Duels Won | 1 |
The rest for many of Slot’s first team stars may do them good when they host Aston Villa next, but the Dutchman may be under even greater pressure to win the match following his selection against Palace.