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Liverpool booked their place in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round with a confident 4 1 victory over Barnsley on Monday night, producing a performance that mixed attacking flair, depth, and late ruthlessness under the Anfield lights. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike ensured Arne Slot’s side avoided any cup scare and set up an enticing home tie against Brighton and Hove Albion in February.
While the scoreline suggests comfort, this was a match that demanded focus, patience, and quality moments. Barnsley arrived with ambition and energy, but Liverpool’s superior class eventually told as the Reds progressed with authority.
Strong Rotation as Slot Balances Depth and Quality
Arne Slot made six changes to the starting lineup, underlining his trust in squad depth while still naming a side packed with experience and talent. Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal, while Virgil van Dijk marshalled the back line. Szoboszlai featured in a deeper role, and Federico Chiesa was handed another chance to impress in attack.
The bench also carried positive news for Liverpool supporters. Wataru Endo and Hugo Ekitike both returned after fitness issues, adding strength and options as the match wore on. The blend of rotation and experience reflected Slot’s intent to take the FA Cup seriously without overloading his key players.
Early Warning as Barnsley Start Fearlessly
Liverpool were almost caught cold inside the opening minute. Adam Phillips delivered a dangerous cross from the right that Davis Keillor Dunn met with a powerful header. Mamardashvili looked beaten, but the ball struck the near post and bounced clear, offering the Reds an early reminder that cup football rarely allows complacency.
Barnsley continued to press with confidence, forcing a turnover near the halfway line before Nathanael Ogbeta fired narrowly wide from a tight angle. Their approach was brave and aggressive, and for a brief spell, Anfield sensed that this would not be a routine evening.
Szoboszlai Sparks Life With Stunning Opener
Liverpool responded with composure and quality. As possession tilted firmly in the hosts’ favor, the breakthrough arrived through a moment of individual brilliance. Alexis Mac Allister switched play with precision, finding Szoboszlai in space more than 25 yards from goal. The Hungarian midfielder took one touch and unleashed a dipping strike that flew inside the left post, leaving Murphy Cooper helpless. It was a goal that instantly lifted the tempo and showcased why Szoboszlai remains such a decisive presence in big moments. The opener settled Liverpool and forced Barnsley to rethink their pressing approach, though the visitors continued to threaten on the counter.
Frimpong Doubles the Lead With Pace and Power
Despite Liverpool’s control of possession, Barnsley remained dangerous in transition. Keillor Dunn drove forward again and screwed a finish wide, while a half volley from Jonathan Bland required a sharp save from Mamardashvili. Liverpool’s response was clinical. Jeremie Frimpong, operating high on the right, showcased his explosive pace by bursting past his marker and driving into the box.
Cutting inside with confidence, he smashed a left footed effort past Cooper to make it 2 0. The goal reflected Frimpong’s growing influence in Slot’s system, where his direct running and fearless attacking instincts continue to stretch opponents.
Costly Error Brings Barnsley Back Into the Tie
Just when Liverpool appeared in full control, a lapse in concentration offered Barnsley a lifeline. Szoboszlai tracked back diligently to cover a Phillips run, but inside his own box he attempted a risky flicked pass that went astray. Phillips reacted quickest, converting from close range to reduce the deficit before halftime. The goal changed the mood inside Anfield and reminded Liverpool that knockout football can turn on fine margins.
Liverpool Push for Control After the Break
The second half began with Liverpool intent on restoring their two goal cushion. Rio Ngumoha delivered a teasing cross that narrowly evaded Curtis Jones at the far post, while sustained pressure kept Barnsley pinned back. From a clever short corner, Szoboszlai’s delivery found Van Dijk, whose instinctive effort took a deflection, brushed Cooper’s glove, and clipped the crossbar. The Reds were close, but the third goal remained elusive.
Slot Turns to the Bench as Quality Returns
With half an hour remaining, Slot introduced fresh legs and firepower. Hugo Ekitike returned from injury to a warm reception, while Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate also entered the fray. The substitutions added tempo and control. Wirtz immediately found pockets of space, while Ekitike’s movement stretched the Barnsley defense and created new passing lanes. Barnsley appealed for a penalty when Szoboszlai challenged Reyes Cleary in the box, but replays confirmed a clean tackle, much to the frustration of the away bench.
Wirtz Delivers the Decisive Moment
Liverpool continued to threaten through set pieces and wide play. Van Dijk headed narrowly wide from a Cody Gakpo cross, and Wirtz squandered a close range chance after a brilliant delivery from Szoboszlai. Redemption arrived six minutes from time. Wirtz combined neatly with Ekitike on the edge of the area before curling a composed finish past Cooper and in front of the Kop. The goal drained the last of Barnsley’s resistance and confirmed Liverpool’s grip on the tie.
Ekitike Marks Comeback With Late Goal
Deep into stoppage time, Liverpool added a final flourish. Once again, Wirtz and Ekitike linked up, their chemistry already evident. This time, Ekitike finished clinically to make it 4 1, capping a positive return from injury and delighting the Anfield crowd. The goal underlined the value of squad depth and the impact of Slot’s substitutions, turning a potentially tricky contest into a convincing victory.
What the Win Means for Liverpool
The result sends Liverpool into the FA Cup fourth round, where Brighton await at Anfield in February. More importantly, it reinforces Slot’s message that this competition matters. Despite moments of vulnerability, Liverpool showed control, attacking variety, and the ability to respond when challenged. Goals from across the squad highlighted balance, while the successful return of key players like Ekitike adds momentum heading into the next phase of the season.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s 4 1 win over Barnsley was not just about progression. It was about professionalism, squad depth, and delivering when it mattered. From Szoboszlai’s thunderous opener to Ekitike’s late strike, the Reds gave supporters plenty to enjoy on a cold Anfield night. With confidence growing and silverware still firmly in sight, Liverpool march on in the FA Cup, ready for the next challenge.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com