LIVERPOOL 4-1 BARNSLEY: Arne Slot’s Reds had their work cut out for them to find a route past Barnsley in the FA Cup with Dominik Szoboszlai at the heart of everything
Dominik Szoboszlai had a dramatic evening against Barnsley(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool reached the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 win vs Barnsley on a rollercoaster evening for Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Reds had to endure an early storm from the League One side before opening the scoring with a lightning bolt from the Hungarian midfielder. Defender Jeremie Frimpong then attempted to outdo him with his own spectacular effort.
Just as it looked as though Liverpool would be easing into the next round, a bizarre error from Szoboszlai put a goal for Adam Phillips on a plate. Arne Slot‘s side finally booked their spot in round four with late goals from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool’s win sees them set up a fourth round tie with Premier League rivals Brighton, who dumped Manchester United out over the weekend. Here are all of the talking points from Anfield:
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Barnsley have bright start
One of Liverpool’s main problems this season has been conceding sloppy goals. And they very nearly conceded another just seconds after kick-off against the League One side.
Davis Keillor-Dunn managed to evade his marker and thumped a powerful header off of the post less than a minute into the game.
Nathanael Ogbeta then went close as he fired a powerful effort over the crossbar, while Giorgi Mamardashvili had to remain fleet-footed to palm away Jonathan Bland’s strike.
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Szbosozlai thunders in opener
Despite the positive start from the visitors, it was Liverpool who claimed the lead. The ball found its way to Szoboszlai 25 yards out and he thundered into the top corner to add another stunning effort to his collection.
Szoboszlai now has six goals to his name this season and now just needs a couple more to match his record from last season.
Frimpong eases Bradley worry
If Frimpong can remain fit and retain the form is currently showing, Liverpool boss Arne Slot should have very little worries about the right-back position at Anfield. Reds defender Conor Bradley has recently been ruled out long-term with a knee issue.
But Frimpong sent a message about what he was capable off with his own brilliant effort. The Dutchman picked the ball up on the right flank and fired home an eye-catching left-footed effort into the roof of the net.
Having showed his attacking prowess with former club Leverkusen, he now seems to be doing the same with Liverpool.
From hero to zero
What was it about Liverpool and sloppy goals? While they survived Barnsley’s early assault, the Reds handed their opponents a golden chance to get back in the game just shortly after Frimpong’s goal.
Szoboszlai, for some reason attempted to backheel the ball to Mamardashvili just yards from goal. But he failed to make any contact at all, passing it straight to to Phillips, who scored.
It was a moment that left Arne Slot and the crowd inside Anfield stunned.
Penalty appeals turned down
On the hour mark, it looked as though Szoboszlai had gifted Barnsley an equaliser. Reyes Clearly sprinted into acres of space and went down under the challenge of the midfielder.
Barnsley players, fans and boss Conor Hourihane begged for a penalty but the referee was unmoved and with VAR not in use, the decision remained.
It appeared as though Clearly did get a slight touch and an arm on the shoulder so Liverpool might have felt themselves fortunate.
Wirtz and Ekitike book Brighton date
On a night of spectacular – and bizarre – goals, Wirtz added another late on as he booked Liverpool’s spot in the next round. After two goals in the Premier League over the past month, the German playmaker added another as he rounded off a great team move by curling an effort into the top corner.
Wirtz then teed up Ekitike late on as the returning Frenchman marked his return from injury with a goal. Wirtz certainly seems to be finding his feet in England and Slot will be keen to see him extend his form between now and the end of the campaign.
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