A player scoring from 30 yards and then setting up a goal with a backheel in the same match is usually cause for great celebration. However, for Dominik Szoboszlai, the story unfolded differently. While he dazzled Liverpool fans with a spectacular strike, he also inadvertently gifted Barnsley a goal due to a glaring error. As the match revolved around him, Barnsley called for a penalty after he tugged on the energetic Reyes Cleary’s shirt. Ultimately, Liverpool advanced in the FA Cup due to both Szoboszlai’s brilliance and blunders.
Typically, Szoboszlai has been a consistent performer this season, but this game was different. His mistake at least gave Adam Phillips a moment to cherish. “Scoring in front of the Kop as a Liverpool fan after coming through the academy is something he can cherish forever,” reflected his manager, Conor Hourihane.
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As Szoboszlai reflects on the match, it may be tinged with regret. After starting the game with a celebratory goal, he ended it feeling remorseful. “Sorry to the team again,” he remarked. “I made it hard for us. It was a simple error.”
This error could prompt an inquest from a displeased Arne Slot, who noted, “I believe that kind of play is inappropriate in an FA Cup match, a League Cup match, a friendly, or even during training. It was an odd choice, but I prefer to discuss it directly with Dom.”
Szoboszlai’s antics invited criticism from both managers in this match. “It was somewhat disrespectful of their player; I doubt he would pull such a stunt against Chelsea, Arsenal, or in a Champions League game,” stated Hourihane. Despite the criticism, Szoboszlai’s sixth goal of the season puts him just behind Hugo Ekitike in Liverpool’s scoring charts.
Slot had to rely on his bench depth to secure the win. Haunted by last season’s earlier exit to Plymouth, where inexperienced substitutes let him down, he called on seasoned players Florian Wirtz and Ekitike, both of whom impacted the match, securing a flattering 4-1 victory for Liverpool. With Xabi Alonso recently losing his managerial position, this win was timely for Slot’s team, which remains unbeaten in their last 11 matches. They will now face Brighton, a matchup some might wish to see as Liverpool clashing with Manchester United.
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Interestingly, it could have been Barnsley facing Brighton as well. The Tykes suffered their first defeat at Anfield since 1959, just months before Bill Shankly took charge of Liverpool, although they may wonder if they could have pulled off a third consecutive win in this ground. They hit the woodwork just 30 seconds in and played with a liveliness that contradicted their recent performances.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a 30-yard screamer to give Liverpool the lead (Reuters)
Jeremie Frimpong added a second for the hosts (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Slot’s decisions proved effective; “Not that I’m trying to praise myself, but I believe it was right to field many starters,” he said, having made six changes, with Rio Ngumoha being the sole young player to start. When Liverpool’s lead seemed tenuous, he made a triple substitution by bringing on Ibrahima Konate, Wirtz, and Ekitike, who together cost over £200 million. While Barnsley could take that complimentingly, the substitutes ultimately finished off the third-tier team. Wirtz scored his third goal in five games after an assist from Ekitike, whose backheel set up a curling shot from 25 yards. Ekitike then neatly converted Wirtz’s cross for his goal.
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Despite three goals from Liverpool players, only two were directly credited. Liverpool conceded a poorly managed goal while scoring three spectacular ones. “Unlocking a low block isn’t always straightforward,” commented Slot, reflecting on a recurring theme of his. He often emphasizes that it takes a moment of brilliance. Against Barnsley’s 5-4-1 defense, Liverpool secured three goals.
Alexis Mac Allister contributed two assists with unremarkable passes. However, the finishes were certainly memorable. Szoboszlai ignited the scoring with a stunning 30-yard shot that beat Murphy Cooper.
Adam Phillips benefited from Szoboszlai’s backheel blunder (Reuters)
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike came off the bench to score Liverpool’s third and fourth goals (PA)
Jeremie Frimpong later surged in to unleash a powerful shot, marking his first goal at Anfield. However, Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses were evident, particularly with Conor Bradley sidelined for the rest of the season, as Frimpong posed problems for the backline.
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While Liverpool showed signs of frailty at the back, particularly against counterattacks, Barnsley’s goal emerged in a different manner. Szoboszlai, who has often been exemplary this season, provided an unfortunate lesson on how not to act. His attempt at a backheel in his own six-yard box resulted in him inadvertently setting up Phillips for a simple tap-in. “It’s not the first time we’ve been 2-0 up and conceded a careless goal, but this one stands out even for us,” said Slot.
The night escalated from bad to worse for Szoboszlai. Despite defending beautifully against Arsenal previously, Liverpool started the game poorly. Just 28 seconds in, a header from Davis Keillor-Dunn struck the post after a cross from Phillips, with Joe Gomez at fault. Unfortunately, this was not to be Liverpool’s most glaring defensive mistake of the night.