Liverpool Frustrate Again in FA Cup Win Over Barnsley
Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Barnsley in the FA Cup might look comfortable on paper, but as discussed on Late Night Live from Anfield Index, the performance raised more questions than answers. Host Jack McIndoe was joined by debutant Darren Timson, who brought an analytical and measured perspective to the Reds’ display.
FA Cup Scoreline Deceives: Barnsley Impress, Liverpool Disappoint
Speaking shortly after full-time, Timson made it clear the result didn’t tell the full story: “You’re just expecting a bit more from Liverpool, I guess,” he said. “It wasn’t the performance I think I was hoping for once I saw the lineup.”
Despite Liverpool extending their unbeaten run to nine games, the performance failed to convince many fans watching, with Timson openly questioning the cohesion of the starting XI. “All three of them don’t really play together,” he said of the front line, highlighting a lack of rhythm between Gakpo, Chiesa, and Ngumoha.
Barnsley, meanwhile, were praised for their spirit. Sitting 17th in League One, their approach impressed Timson: “Credit to all of the Barnsley players. I don’t think any of them really put a foot wrong tonight.”
Clear Tactical Concerns as Reds Struggle Against Low Block
Throughout the discussion, Timson pointed to Liverpool’s long-standing issues against deep, defensive sides. “Low defensive sides… it’s going to be the story of Liverpool’s season,” he noted. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool created few clear-cut chances.
Timson pinpointed Liverpool’s lack of incisiveness: “Apart from the Szoboszlai goal from range and Frimpong’s little bit of brilliance, I don’t think there was really many opportunities where we actually created a proper clear-cut chance.”
The opener, a spectacular strike from Dominik Szoboszlai, was soon overshadowed by what Timson described as “probably one of the stupidest things I’ve seen” – the same player gifting Barnsley a goal with an inexplicable backheel. “I have no idea what he’s doing,” Timson said bluntly.
Second-Half Improvements and Youthful Promise
Substitutions eventually brought life to Liverpool’s attack. Timson singled out Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz: “They just seem to have this instant connection… hopefully that’s our forward line for the next years to come.”
The third goal – a neat flick from Ekitike into Wirtz for a composed finish – showcased what Timson described as “more movement in and around the box” and better attacking cohesion.
Still, the defensive frailties lingered. “It’s a concern in the way that it’s not being fixed,” said Timson, noting how Barnsley, like Sunderland and Leeds before them, created moments too easily at Anfield.
Player Performances and Looking Ahead
Curtis Jones was Timson’s pick for Liverpool’s man of the match: “He kept the ball moving really well,” while Alexis Mac Allister was credited with two assists – even if, as Timson joked, “they’re probably the two funniest assists he’ll get all season.”
Praise also went to Barnsley’s 21-year-old forward Reyes Cleary: “He definitely had a good game… has his contention for the man of the match tonight.”
With Burnley up next, Timson warned of similar challenges: “Tonight was probably good practice… we’ve got to hope Hugo and Flo are fit enough to start that game because I think they’re going to be needed.”
In summary, Liverpool may be through to the next round of the FA Cup, but as Timson emphasised, “You’re wanting a more clinical, dominant display… we didn’t really see that enough tonight.”
