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Winning the Premier League in his first season, Arne Slot has not got much wrong since taking charge of Liverpool.

But even he may have been surprised at how much his team selection backfired on Wednesday as his side, full of fringe players and youngsters, crumbled 3-0 at home against Crystal Palace in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were absent as the Reds made a tame exit in a competition they had won twice in the past four seasons and were beaten in the previous campaign’s final.

For Slot, whose side have now lost six of their past seven games in all competitions, a daunting schedule that includes encounters with Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City will follow in the next 10 days.

But the Dutchman said in the post-match news conference: “This club has always used this competition for academy players as well.

“It felt to me the right decision and I’ve not changed my opinion of that because we lost.”

Slot named three teenagers in his starting line-up and a further five among his substitutes as he made 10 changes from the team that was beaten 3-2 in the league at Brentford on Saturday.

After a bright start from Liverpool, Ismaila Sarr scored twice at the end of the first half, with 18-year-old Amara Nallo sent off in the second half to end any hope of a fightback from the hosts.

A late third from Yeremy Pino gave the scoreline a flattering feel as Slot watched on helplessly in the heavy Anfield rain.

“Against Brentford it was two days after we played Eintracht Frankfurt away and I saw a team that is struggling to play three games in seven days, but it is not an excuse,” he added.

“I’ve seen the struggles some players have had in pre-season. It’s a new challenge to play in the Premier League and Champions League, three games in seven days.

However, former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock felt Slot had no justification for his side.

“Arne Slot has almost admitted there that the squad is not strong enough,” said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was very much deflecting and making excuses.

“You’re a team in the Champions League, yet you’re moaning that you’re playing a game two days later. You know that is going to happen. I felt there were a lot of excuses in there. You know your squad depth isn’t the best, then your business hasn’t been good enough in the summer.”

Liverpool spent more than £400m in the summer transfer window and ex-Scotland international Pat Nevin felt Slot had shown the Carabao Cup was not important to the Reds this season.

“Arne Slot has shown it is secondary, and it is certainly not as important as the games coming up,” said Nevin. “Yes, there will be a bit more stick. There will be a realisation among Liverpool fans, who aren’t daft, the fact is they have already won this competition.

Reigning champions Liverpool have lost four successive Premier League games, having started with five wins, leaving them seventh in the table.

Defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday will be their worst since 1953 when they lost five in a row.

Asked if resting so many of his first-team players had increased the pressure to beat Villa, Slot dismissed that suggestion.

“If you lose five of six and then six of seven there’s always more pressure,” he added. “If you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool you know the pressure is there and I don’t think it changes much after this loss.

“If you look at the upcoming week coming up, that is going to be a big week for us, everyone and the club. We need as many players available as we can. You can see with the line-up I had to make.

“I only rested the players that have played mainly in the last week. This is the line-up you get. That shows you we already have a few injuries. With a big week coming up for me, it felt the best choice.

Although Liverpool’s starting 11 included 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, the line-up also included seven full internationals.

Slot opted for three central defenders, with Scotland’s Andy Robertson on the left, England’s Joe Gomez in the middle and Japan’s Wataru Endo on the right.

Both full-backs have also represented their country too, with left-back Milos Kerkez a regular for Hungary, while Calvin Ramsay has played for Scotland.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner felt it was “disrespectful” to suggest Liverpool had fielded a weakened team and believed his side deserved all the credit.

“It was Arne Slot’s decision and we never care what other teams are doing,” said the Eagles boss. “I’ve seen Joe Gomez play for England, win the Champions League, seen Wataru Endo I don’t know how many games for Japan, I’ve seen Alexis Mac Allister, he won the World Cup as a starter, Kerkez moved for £40m, [Federico] Chiesa plays for the [Italy] national team, Ngumoha has shown he can score goals in the Premier League.

“It was still a good team and everyone is a member of the Liverpool squad. I was never good enough to be in the Liverpool squad. Maybe it was not the strongest team, but still a very good Liverpool side.”

For Slot, this match will be forgotten about if they can get positive results against Villa, Real and Manchester City.

“If they beat Villa and Real Madrid, and they start to turn a corner, then yes it will have paid off,” added Warnock. “If it isn’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get disgruntled.

“Managers don’t make changes for no reason. But when you need a victory, this was the ideal time to get it.”

A first league defeat of the season at St Mirren shattered the Pittodrie side’s league campaign eleven months after Aberdeen and Celtic were tied at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.

When Stephen Robinson’s men roared into a 3-1 lead in Paisley on Wednesday, almost a year later, Hearts were eight points clear at the top.

However, Derek McInnes’ side fought back in a thrilling encounter to earn a point, maintain their unbeaten start, and maintain momentum. They did so with a little luck and a lot of resilience.

In the run-up to Pierre Landry Kabore’s late disallowed goal, Oisin McEntee could have had more opportunities.

Hearts could still be 12 clear of Celtic’s lead after their six-point deficit has ended.

McInnes told BBC Scotland, “It’s important we win now against Dundee.” This will be regarded as a worthwhile point if we do it.

Celtic won’t play premiership football this weekend because they will face Rangers in the League Cup last four on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

Hearts, however, are prepared to play Dundee under Stephen Pressley’s guidance on Saturday (15:00), knowing they can increase their lead to nine points with a victory.

The top two play on Sunday the following weekend. Dundee United will host McInnes’ side (15:00), with Celtic starting at home to Kilmarnock an hour later.

Before the reigning champions’ next league game, Hearts might have a 12-point lead.

Of course, neither of the Gorgie clubs’ games can be guaranteed victories. And Celtic will still have a chance to close any remaining gaps if they do.

When asked about the decision to deny St Mirren a 3-1 lead in Paisley, McInnes suggested that his side might have gotten away with one.

When Hearts were defending a long free-kick, the VAR team determined that Mark O’Hara, who was playing an offside position, had an impact on play by blocking Lawrence Shankland’s path.

Miguel Freckleton escaped Hearts’ high line and scored what he perceived to be a third St Mirren goal, but the referee, Matthew MacDermid, whose VAR he reached, reacted with approval.

One of the many set-plays that caused carnage in the Hearts box, McInnes referred to after the game.

The Hearts manager, however, was equally as enthusiastic about referencing the resilient spirit that allowed his side to finish Paisley with a point, extending their 10-game winning streak.

“We’re disappointed with our losses,” McInnes continued. For the first time in history have we appeared susceptible to set-plays.

“Sometimes, St. Mirren places that pressure on you, making poor decisions. However, overall, I thought the game was good.

At the conclusion, I adored the teamwork. Because they believe there is a second goal coming, the supporters continue to support the death.

A first league defeat of the season at St Mirren shattered the Pittodrie side’s league campaign eleven months after Aberdeen and Celtic were tied at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.

When Stephen Robinson’s men roared into a 3-1 lead in Paisley on Wednesday, almost a year later, Hearts were eight points clear at the top.

However, Derek McInnes’ side fought back in a thrilling encounter to earn a point, maintain their unbeaten start, and maintain momentum. They did so with a little luck and a lot of resilience.

In the run-up to Pierre Landry Kabore’s late disallowed goal, Oisin McEntee could have had more opportunities.

Hearts could still be 12 clear of Celtic’s lead after their six-point deficit has ended.

McInnes told BBC Scotland, “It’s important we win now against Dundee.” This will be regarded as a worthwhile point if we do it.

Celtic won’t play premiership football this weekend because they will face Rangers in the League Cup last four on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

Hearts, however, are prepared to play Dundee under Stephen Pressley’s guidance on Saturday (15:00), knowing they can increase their lead to nine points with a victory.

The top two play on Sunday the following weekend. Dundee United will host McInnes’ side (15:00), with Celtic starting at home to Kilmarnock an hour later.

Before the reigning champions’ next league game, Hearts might have a 12-point lead.

Of course, neither of the Gorgie clubs’ games can be guaranteed victories. And Celtic will still have a chance to close any remaining gaps if they do.

When asked about the decision to deny St Mirren a 3-1 lead in Paisley, McInnes suggested that his side might have gotten away with one.

When Hearts were defending a long free-kick, the VAR team determined that Mark O’Hara, who was playing an offside position, had an impact on play by blocking Lawrence Shankland’s path.

Miguel Freckleton escaped Hearts’ high line and scored what he perceived to be a third St Mirren goal, but the referee, Matthew MacDermid, whose VAR he reached, reacted with approval.

One of the many set-plays that caused carnage in the Hearts box, McInnes referred to after the game.

The Hearts manager, however, was equally as enthusiastic about referencing the resilient spirit that allowed his side to finish Paisley with a point, extending their 10-game winning streak.

“We’re disappointed with our losses,” McInnes continued. For the first time in history have we appeared susceptible to set-plays.

“Sometimes, St. Mirren places that pressure on you, making poor decisions. However, overall, I thought the game was good.

At the conclusion, I adored the teamwork. Because they believe there is a second goal coming, the supporters continue to support the death.

A first league defeat of the season at St Mirren shattered the Pittodrie side’s league campaign eleven months after Aberdeen and Celtic were tied at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.

When Stephen Robinson’s men roared into a 3-1 lead in Paisley on Wednesday, almost a year later, Hearts were eight points clear at the top.

However, Derek McInnes’ side fought back in a thrilling encounter to earn a point, maintain their unbeaten start, and maintain momentum. They did so with a little luck and a lot of resilience.

In the run-up to Pierre Landry Kabore’s late disallowed goal, Oisin McEntee could have had more opportunities.

Hearts could still be 12 clear of Celtic’s lead after their six-point deficit has ended.

McInnes told BBC Scotland, “It’s important we win now against Dundee.” This will be regarded as a worthwhile point if we do it.

Celtic won’t play premiership football this weekend because they will face Rangers in the League Cup last four on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

Hearts, however, are prepared to play Dundee under Stephen Pressley’s guidance on Saturday (15:00), knowing they can increase their lead to nine points with a victory.

The top two play on Sunday the following weekend. Dundee United will host McInnes’ side (15:00), with Celtic starting at home to Kilmarnock an hour later.

Before the reigning champions’ next league game, Hearts might have a 12-point lead.

Of course, neither of the Gorgie clubs’ games can be guaranteed victories. And Celtic will still have a chance to close any remaining gaps if they do.

When asked about the decision to deny St Mirren a 3-1 lead in Paisley, McInnes suggested that his side might have gotten away with one.

When Hearts were defending a long free-kick, the VAR team determined that Mark O’Hara, who was playing an offside position, had an impact on play by blocking Lawrence Shankland’s path.

Miguel Freckleton escaped Hearts’ high line and scored what he perceived to be a third St Mirren goal, but the referee, Matthew MacDermid, whose VAR he reached, reacted with approval.

One of the many set-plays that caused carnage in the Hearts box, McInnes referred to after the game.

The Hearts manager, however, was equally as enthusiastic about referencing the resilient spirit that allowed his side to finish Paisley with a point, extending their 10-game winning streak.

“We’re disappointed with our losses,” McInnes continued. For the first time in history have we appeared susceptible to set-plays.

“Sometimes, St. Mirren places that pressure on you, making poor decisions. However, overall, I thought the game was good.

At the conclusion, I adored the teamwork. Because they believe there is a second goal coming, the supporters continue to support the death.

Max Dowman, 15, broke the record for the previous day. However, his manager Mikel Arteta claims that Arsenal’s teenage star is taking his own stride.

With teammate Ethan Nwaneri holding both records, the winger had already made history of himself by becoming the club’s second- and second-youngest player to play in the Premier League.

However, Dowman, who was 15 years and 302 days old, on Wednesday, scored the only goal of the EFL Cup victory over Brighton to make him the youngest player to start an Arsenal game.

In the 5-0 win over Leeds in August, Dowman made his Premier League debut off the bench, but his talent has piqued the club’s interest for a long time.

He was a standout player on Arsenal’s pre-season tour and has been training with the first team since he was 14 years old.

Four teenagers, including Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous, who were both making their full debuts, made ten changes to the side that defeated Crystal Palace on Sunday.

When asked how Dowman responded when he learned he was beginning, Arteta responded, “A tiny smile, that’s what you get with him.”

“For him, everything is natural, and for him, everything is fine.” The secret is that he doesn’t make a lot of fuss about it because of how he plays.

He simply pursues his passion of playing football, which he does best. to play football with great deeds and tenacity, and he has once more demonstrated some incredible skill and ability to pass past Premier League players at that level at age 15 It’s undoubtedly something special.

In a notable run, Diego Gomez of Brighton was left battling it out with Dowman, who once more demonstrated his excellent dribbling ability.

He had the most duels (nine) and the most dribbles (five), the most fouls (four), and the most duels (nine) among any other player on the field.

We made ten changes, and we played players who have never played together, but Max and Andre made two significant debuts, Arteta continued.

If Dowman makes his Champions League debut before his birthday at the end of the year, he could become the youngest player to do so, according to Arteta, who claims the youngster believes he is ready to make an impact in any situation.

“For certain, if you ask him, for certain,” Arteta said.

We discussed that a few days ago, and that’s exactly what we have to manage. Not only that, there are many new things in his life.

We must make sure he takes the appropriate steps, and he must be able to cope with it as well, because it is happening very quickly, and we must all be aware of that.

Let’s encourage him to continue in that direction while also guarding him.

The academy at Arsenal had a great time with the 17-year-old Harriman-Annous contributing to the Gunners’ second goal, and the 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly and fellow academy graduate Nwaneri combined for the opener.

“That’s what it is,” added Arteta, “and I’m very happy with both of them (Dowman and Harris-Annous) today.

Two academy graduates, two goals, two goals scored by Myles, Ethan and Ethan, Bukayo [Saka] also scored, making it to the quarter-finals.

Another day, another record for 15-year-old Max Dowman. But Arsenal’s teenage prodigy is taking everything in his stride, according to his manager Mikel Arteta.

The winger had already written himself into Arsenal’s history books by becoming the second-youngest player to represent the club and second-youngest to play in the Premier League – with team-mate Ethan Nwaneri holding both records.

But on Wednesday Dowman became the youngest player – at 15 years and 302 days old – to start a match for Arsenal as he starred in the EFL Cup win over Brighton.

Dowman made his Premier League debut off the bench in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds in August – but his talent has had everyone at the club excited for a long time.

He has been training with the first team since he was 14 and was one of the standout players on Arsenal’s pre-season tour.

Arteta made 10 changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace on Sunday and his youthful side contained four teenagers – including Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous who were both making their full debuts.

“A tiny smile, that’s what you get with him,” Arteta said when asked how Dowman reacted when he heard he was starting.

“For him everything is natural, for him everything is OK. It’s the way he plays and that’s the secret, that he doesn’t make a big fuss of it.

“He just does what he does best, which is to play football. To play football with a lot of courage and determination and today again, he has shown some incredible skill, some capacity to run past players at that level in the Premier League at 15. It’s definitely something special.”

Dowman again showed his excellent dribbling ability and in one notable run left Brighton’s Diego Gomez scrambling to keep up.

He completed the most dribbles (five), won the most fouls (four), and won the most duels (nine) of any player on the pitch.

“We made 10 changes, we played players that never played together, yet we made two huge debuts for Max and Andre,” Arteta added.

Dowman could become the youngest player to play in the Champions League if he makes his debut in the competition before his birthday at the end of the year – and Arteta says the youngster believes he is ready to have an impact in any competition.

“For sure, if you ask him, for sure,” Arteta said.

“That’s what we have to manage and not only that, there’s a lot of things that are new in his life, we discussed that a few days ago.

“We have to make sure that he takes the right steps and he needs be able to cope with it, too, because it’s happening very, very fast and we all need to be aware of that.

“Let’s encourage him to keep going that way, but let’s protect him as well.”

This was another positive evening for Arsenal’s academy with 17-year-old Harriman-Annous playing a big part in the Gunners’ second goal and 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly combining with fellow academy graduate Nwaneri for the opener.

“That’s what it is and I’m very happy with both of them (Harriman-Annous and Dowman) today,” Arteta added.

“Myles as well, Ethan scoring a goal, Bukayo [Saka] scoring a goal – so two academy graduates taking us to the quarter-finals.