Andy Robertson reveals Liverpool locker room verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai error
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Liverpool Survive Szoboszlai's Bizarre Error in 4-1 FA Cup Win Over Barnsley
Liverpool FC secured a 4-1 victory over Sky Bet League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup at Anfield, despite a shocking mistake by Dominik Szoboszlai that nearly led to an upset. The match highlighted both brilliance and recklessness from the Hungary international, who later apologized to his teammates[3][2].
The game started tensely, with Barnsley's Davis Keillor-Dunn heading against the post inside 30 seconds. Liverpool soon took control, as Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning 35-yard dipping strike, followed by a sumptuous effort from Jeremie Frimpong just five minutes before halftime[2]. However, in a moment of reckless arrogance, Szoboszlai attempted a backheel inside his own six-yard box, gifting former Reds academy player Adam Phillips an easy tap-in in front of the Kop—echoing Barnsley's dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool in 2008 after a similar early lead[2].
Barnsley, 17th in the third tier, grew in confidence and pressed for an equalizer, testing Liverpool's defense. Manager Arne Slot made six changes—including Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili—while keeping a star-studded bench worth over £250 million, featuring the fit-again Hugo Ekitike[2]. Szoboszlai's night almost worsened further when VAR (not in use for the tie) reviewed his rash tackle on Reyes Cleary, sparking penalty protests from the visitors[2].
Liverpool steadied themselves, extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches. Substitute Florian Wirtz curled in a beauty in the 84th minute, and Ekitike sealed the win with a slide in added time, setting up a home tie against Brighton[2]. Though victorious, the performance was far from convincing, with criticism aimed at Robertson and Chiesa for subpar showings[4].
Szoboszlai's apology underscored team accountability amid the drama, while Robertson has previously praised the midfielder's key displays, like against Man City[1][3]. This win advances Liverpool but exposes vulnerabilities against lower-league grit.