Liverpool advance in FA Cup Third Round with flair and flaws
Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup Fourth Round with a 4-1 win over Barnsley at Anfield, a result that suggested comfort but told a far more nuanced story. In the FA Cup Third Round, margins often blur between control and complacency, and this tie lived squarely in that grey area. Liverpool progressed thanks to moments of outstanding quality, even if the overall performance left room for reflection.
Barnsley, organised and fearless, refused to play the role of willing participant. Liverpool, for all their depth and pedigree, required individual inspiration to pull clear, and even then the scoreline arguably flattered the hosts.
Team rotation shows strength in depth
Six changes from the previous match hinted at rotation, not indifference. One alteration was enforced after Conor Bradley’s injury, yet the selection underlined the depth available. Only Rio Ngumoha’s inclusion felt like a nod to youth rather than first team readiness.
The bench also carried encouragement, with Hugo Ekitike returning from injury. It mattered later. Liverpool started with authority but were almost caught out immediately when Adam Phillips, once of the academy, delivered a cross that led to a header striking the post inside the opening minute.
Szoboszlai brilliance and misjudgement
Liverpool’s opener arrived in the ninth minute and it was a reminder of why Dominik Szoboszlai has been the side’s standout performer this season. Collecting the ball 25 yards out, he struck with precision and intent, the kind of goal that changes the temperature inside a stadium.
The second followed before the interval, Jeremie Frimpong cutting inside from the right and finishing sharply at the near post. Two goals of real quality had Liverpool in control, at least on the scoreboard.
Yet the evening also highlighted Szoboszlai’s complexity. A lapse of judgement inside his own six yard box gifted Phillips a clear chance, which Barnsley converted. It was an unnecessary error, one born of overconfidence rather than pressure, and it ensured the contest remained alive at half time at 2-1.
Wirtz and Ekitike provide late authority
Liverpool made no changes at the break but introduced fresh legs on the hour, including Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. The reshuffle saw Szoboszlai fill in at right back, where another rash challenge might have cost Liverpool a penalty.
Barnsley continued to ask questions. A Van Dijk volley required an excellent save, and Szoboszlai later headed off his own line from a corner. Even as Liverpool’s line up grew closer to full strength, the visitors remained competitive.
The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute. Wirtz, combining neatly with Ekitike on the edge of the area, finished calmly to make it 3-1. In stoppage time, the roles reversed as Wirtz set up Ekitike for a simple close range finish.
Liverpool move on in the FA Cup Third Round, setting up a home tie with Brighton, while attention now turns back to league duties. Progress achieved, lessons learned.
