'Disrespectful' - Barnsley boss unhappy with Szoboszlai for goal mistake
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Dominik Szoboszlai: Barnsley Boss Conor Hourihane Says Midfielder Lacked Respect Over Goal Mistake in FA Cup Tie
In Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield, Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai starred as both hero and villain, drawing sharp criticism from Barnsley's head coach Conor Hourihane and Liverpool manager Arne Slot for a bizarre error.[1][2][3]
Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning 35-yard rocket into the top corner, followed by Jeremie Frimpong's exquisite left-footed strike from the right flank, giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead.[2][4] However, towards half-time, with the game under control, Szoboszlai chased back to win possession inside his own six-yard box but attempted a reckless backheel flick just three yards from goal under pressure. The ball fell to former Liverpool academy player and boyhood fan Adam Phillips, who smashed home to make it 2-1.[1][3][4]
Hourihane labeled the mistake "disrespectful," arguing Szoboszlai wouldn't attempt such a flair move against top Premier League sides like Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City, or in a Champions League game. "I was a little bit disappointed with our goal... I don't think the player does that against Chelsea or Arsenal."[3][1] Slot echoed this, calling it a "weird choice" unsuitable for any match, even a friendly or training session, and planned a private word with Szoboszlai: "I don't think you should do that in a FA Cup game... I prefer to keep that to myself and speak about it with Dom."[2][3]
Szoboszlai apologized post-match: "Sorry for the team again. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake."[1] The game tightened, with Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary denied a "stonewall penalty" after Szoboszlai's challenge—replays showed a touch on the ball but possible shirt-pulling, though referee Farai Hallam waved it away (no VAR until fifth round).[1] Liverpool sealed progress to face Brighton in round four with late goals: Florian Wirtz curled in the fourth in the 84th minute, and Hugo Ekitike tapped home in stoppage time after a Wirtz assist. Slot noted the error prolonged tension: "2-0 up then giving a goal away like that made it difficult."[2][4]
Barnsley impressed despite the loss, nearly equalizing early via Davis Keillor-Dunn's header against the post, pushing the champions hard.[4] (Word count: 298)