Goals
- Goal: Dominik Szoboszlai, 9th minute, Liverpool
- Goal: Jeremie Frimpong, 36th minute, Liverpool
- Goal: Adam Phillips, 40th minute, Barnsley
- Goal: Florian Wirtz, 84th minute, Liverpool
- Goal: Hugo Ekitike, 90+4th minute, Liverpool
Liverpool survived a stern examination from spirited League One opposition to reach the FA Cup fourth round, defeating Barnsley 4–1 at Anfield. The hosts were far from dominant throughout, and the narrative was shaped by moments of brilliance, error and controversy.
The tie began with Barnsley threatening immediately, Davis Keillor-Dunn’s early header rattling the post inside the opening minute. However, Liverpool settled and opened the scoring through Dominik Szoboszlai, whose thunderous 25-yard strike on 9’ left the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal was a reminder that Szoboszlai had become only the third Liverpool player to score from outside the box in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and European competition, joining the ranks of Steven Gerrard and John Arne Riise.
Liverpool looked comfortable and soon doubled their lead when Jeremie Frimpong cut inside and hammered a left-footed strike into the roof of the net on 36’. Anfield was breathing easier — until a moment of chaos changed the tone.
Attempting to play out from the back, Szoboszlai’s ill-advised back-heel went disastrously wrong, gifting Adam Phillips a simple finish on 40’ to pull Barnsley within a goal. The error drew sharp reactions; Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane described the attempt as “a little bit disrespectful” given the stage and opposition. The incident gave the underdogs belief.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was called into action on several occasions, notably producing a fine save to divert Jonathan Bland’s powerful effort onto the bar — a moment that kept the scoreline close. Early in the second half there were appeals for a penalty when Reyes Cleary went down under a challenge from Szoboszlai, but the referee waved play on, adding to the tension.
As the match wore on, Liverpool’s quality began to tell. A knock on the ankle forced young defender Rio Ngumoha off with a muscle strain, introducing further disruption to the home side’s rhythm. Yet it was the substitutes who provided the decisive final blows.
Florian Wirtz curled a sublime effort into the top corner on 84’, restoring a two-goal cushion and easing the pressure. Then, in stoppage time, Wirtz’s intelligent pass found Hugo Ekitike, who tapped home on 90+4’ to complete the scoring.
Liverpool progressed but not without lessons. Despite enjoying around three-quarters of possession, the Reds were repeatedly tested by Barnsley’s direct approach. Mamardashvili’s saves were vital, and Barnsley’s spirited performance, combined with Szoboszlai’s error and the controversial non-penalty decision, ensured this tie was never straightforward.
The victory sets up an all-Premier League clash in the fourth round, but for Liverpool, the night will be remembered as much for the fight they were forced to show as the quality that eventually prevailed.
