Absent Arne Slot stalwart proves decisive as Liverpool U21s finish season with defeat

The Reds ended their Premier League 2 campaign with a home encounter against Crystal Palace at the AXA Training Centre, as Rob Page's side slipped to a second successive loss

(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool finished its 2025/26 season Premier League 2 season with a whimper as it lost 5-1 to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

After such a positive second half of the season, the Reds were powerless to cope with the Eagles' strength and power, as they followed up Monday's loss to Manchester City with a second defeat in a week.

It was an action-packed start at Kirkby, with three goals inside the opening 17 minutes. Palace’s Dean Benamar began proceedings when he fastened onto a long ball downfield, before he controlled and finished coolly beyond Armin Pecsi.

The Reds responded quickly when Palace goalkeeper Harry Lee gifted Kieran Morrison the ball just yards from his own goal. His misplaced pass fell invitingly at the feet of the Northern Ireland international, ahead of his first meet-up with the senior squad next week.

However, Morrison's calm finish was immediately undone when Tyler Whyte poked in at the back post following a scruffy corner that restored Palace’s lead.

Morrison has been the Under-21s' star performer over the last weeks(Image: Getty Images)

The visitors were the better side throughout, and it not for Pecsi, the Eagles’ advantage could have been greater. The Hungarian stopper was twice on hand to deny Palace’s Zach Marsh, and also palm away a dangerous cross into the area.

Liverpool, the league’s best side since the turn of the year, lacked its usual zip and poise. The absence of Trey Nyoni certainly contributed to the Reds’ reduced control, while the presence of experienced Mali international Cheick Doucoure in the opposition line-up helped Palace implement a physical approach. The midfielder is continuing his recovery from a torn meniscus in January 2025 and played his third game in a row.

Palace’s more physical approach came to the fore again almost immediately after the half-time whistle, as Charlie Walker-Smith rose highest in the box to head in the visitors’ third of the afternoon.

Liverpool, keen to avoid a second successive defeat, especially considering it was previously unbeaten in nine, pushed to reduce the arrears, with Josh Sonni-Lambie firing a volley just wide, before Will Wright’s first-time finish was well saved by Lee.

But Rob Page's more diminutive youngsters simply could not deal with Palace's power

Pesci was on hand to save from Ben Casey following a slick breakaway, but could do nothing to stop Palace's fourth, as Kaden Rodney converted from the spot, after Kyle Kelly fouled Joesph Gibbard in the area.

Moments later it was five, as Eyimofe Jemide picked out Casey with a superb through ball that sliced through Liverpool's center. Pecsi was agin on hand to keep out the initial effort, but watched forlornly as Jemiah Umolu tapped in a fifth.

Liverpool team

Pecsi; Ramsay, Pinnington (Ndiaye), Nallo, Pitt; Kelly (Laffey), Pilling; Morisson, Sonni-Lambie (Ahmed), Onanuga (Bradshaw); Wright.