Dominik Szoboszlai 'Embarrassing' as Liverpool Handed Uncomfortable Truth by UK Media

Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round on January 12, 2026, at Anfield, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round. However, the match was dominated by Dominik Szoboszlai's rollercoaster performance, earning him labels of both hero and villain from UK media outlets[1][2][3].

The Hungarian midfielder opened the scoring in spectacular fashion after just eight minutes with a stunning 30-35 yard strike, silencing the traveling Barnsley fans and setting the tone for Liverpool's attack[1][2][3]. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead in the 36th minute, cutting in from the right to unleash a fierce left-footed shot into the net, giving the Reds a comfortable 2-0 cushion at halftime[1][2][3].

Disaster struck five minutes before the break when Szoboszlai, after winning back possession near his own six-yard box, attempted a calamitous backheel to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The poorly executed flick evaded everyone, allowing former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips to tap into an empty net, making it 2-1[1][2][3][5]. Barnsley's coach Conor Hourihane called the error "disrespectful," highlighting the visitors' spirited performance that mocked their lower-league status[6].

Early in the second half, Szoboszlai narrowly escaped conceding a penalty as Barnsley pressed aggressively, nearly causing an FA Cup shock[1][3][5]. Liverpool manager Arne Slot responded by substituting in high-profile talents like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, and Ibrahima Konaté after the hour mark. Wirtz and Ekitiké combined effectively late on, with Wirtz curling home the third and Ekitiké adding the fourth to seal the win[2][3].

Post-match, a apologetic Szoboszlai told TNT Sports, "Sorry to the team. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake. Football happens and we move on"[1][4]. Slot praised his squad's resilience amid an 11th straight unbeaten run, but media emphasized Liverpool's vulnerability against underdogs, delivering an "uncomfortable truth" about over-reliance on individual brilliance amid defensive lapses[1][2][5]. The scoreline flattered the hosts, underscoring Barnsley's threat on counters[3]. Brighton awaits at Anfield in mid-February[1][3].

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