Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield, but the scoreline belied a night of anxiety, individual brilliance, and a monumental error that kept the tie alive far longer than expected. The match was personified by Dominik Szoboszlai, who played the role of both hero and villain in a captivating 90 minutes.
The Hungarian midfielder announced his intentions early, unleashing a breathtaking 30-yard strike into the top corner in the 10th minute to settle early nerves after Barnsley had rattled the post inside the first minute. Liverpool then seemed to take control, with marauding wing-back Jeremie Frimpong doubling the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful drive from inside the box.
However, just as Liverpool appeared comfortable, Szoboszlai undid his own good work. Five minutes before halftime, a moment of calamitous over-elaboration saw him attempt a risky backheel in his own penalty area. The pass was intercepted by former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips, who tapped in to give Barnsley a lifeline and send the travelling fans into delirium.
The second half was a nervy affair. Barnsley continued to threaten on the counter and had strong appeals for a penalty waved away when Reyes Cleary got the wrong side of Szoboszlai, a decision that would have been scrutinized by VAR—unavailable until the fifth round.
Liverpool’s anxieties were finally soothed by the impact of substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The pair combined brilliantly late on, with Ekitike teeing up Wirtz for a crisp finish before the German returned the favour, setting up the French striker to add a flattering fourth in stoppage time.
While the result was ultimately comfortable, the performance was less so. Manager Arne Slot will be concerned by a shaky defensive display, particularly from Joe Gomez, and the individual error that gifted Barnsley hope. Yet, he will also take heart from the moments of quality from Szoboszlai, Frimpong, and the clinical substitutes.
For Barnsley, it was a night of pride and what-ifs. They competed bravely and exposed vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s cup side, but were ultimately undone by moments of superior quality. Liverpool progress to host Brighton in the fourth round, with lessons learned and a place in the next round secured, albeit via a far more dramatic route than anticipated.
