Liverpool U21s were thumped 5-1 at home to Crystal Palace in Premier League 2 on Sunday, with Josh Sonni-Lambie featuring in the competition for the first time.
Liverpool U21s 1-5 Crystal Palace U21s
Premier League 2, Kirkby Academy
March 22, 2026
Goals: Morrison 12′; Benamar 7′, White 16′, Walker-Smith 47′, Rodney pen 78′, Umolu 81′
The young Reds knew that victory would put them third in the table, and it was arguably expected against their opponents, even though their team wasn’t the strongest.
The impressive Sonni-Lambie was given his U21s league debut, as his superb form this season was rewarded.
A 26-year-old Cheick Doucoure, who was linked with Liverpool in the past, was named in Palace’s starting lineup to build his match fitness.
Despite being favourites, Liverpool made a bad start and fell behind to a Dean Benamar goal, but Kieran Morrison drew the Reds level.
The 19-year-old now has 14 league goals for the season as his stock continues to rise, having made two senior appearances in 2025/26.
Liverpool’s joy was short-lived, with Tyler Whyte putting Palace back in front. Some of the hosts’ defending left plenty to be desired.
Half-time: Liverpool U21 1-2 Crystal Palace U21s
Rob Page’s side made an awful start to the second half, conceding another set-piece goal, this time with Charlie Walker-Smith profiting.
Kaden Rodney added a fourth for Palace from the penalty spot, before Jemiah Umolu completed the rout on the rebound.
It was a sobering day for Page and his players and they now wait for confirmation of their opponents in the end-of-season play-offs.
The fact that Liverpool goalkeeper Armin Pecsi was a strong man-of-the-match contender says a lot about Palace’s dominance.
Liverpool U21s: Pecsi; Ramsay, Nallo, Pinnington (Ndiaye 46′), Pitt; Kelly (Laffey 80′), Pilling; Morrison, Sonni-Lambie (Ahmed 80′), Onanuga (Bradshaw 46′); Wright
Subs not used: Misciur