Dominik Szoboszlai Has Been Swiftly Proven Wrong About Liverpool: 45 Minutes Changed Nothing - Opinion

In a bold statement just days ago, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai warned table-topping Arsenal that "you don't clinch it by January" in the Premier League title race, insisting the Reds were far from surrendering their defense despite trailing significantly[1]. He emphasized the long road ahead, recalling last season's strong position and urging focus on one game at a time, even as Liverpool had lost six league matches already this term—more than all of 2024-25[1]. Szoboszlai exuded confidence ahead of the Emirates clash, highlighting the team's nine-match unbeaten streak and quality to challenge anyone[1][2].

However, 45 minutes of FA Cup chaos against Barnsley on Monday evening swiftly exposed the fragility of that bravado, proving Szoboszlai utterly wrong as those pivotal moments changed everything for Liverpool's momentum[3][4][5]. The Hungarian star opened the scoring with a stunning 30-yard strike after just eight minutes, silencing the traveling League One fans and embodying Liverpool's superiority[3]. Yet, in a moment of inexplicable madness just before halftime, Szoboszlai attempted a bizarre backheel flick from six yards out in his own box under minimal pressure, gifting Barnsley a tap-in equalizer through Adam Phillips to make it 2-1[3][4].

Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane branded the error "disrespectful," questioning if Szoboszlai would dare such flair against elite sides like Chelsea or Arsenal[4][5]. Even Liverpool manager Arne Slot slammed it publicly, stating, "I don't think you should do that in an FA Cup game, a league game, a friendly, or a training session," calling it a "weird choice"[4][5]. 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," but the damage was done[3].

Despite substitutes like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, and Ibrahima Konaté helping secure a flattering 4-1 win—extending Liverpool's unbeaten run to 11—the incident underscored deeper issues[3][5]. Slot praised the lads' pride in grinding out the result against a spirited underdog, but Barnsley's mockery of their status highlighted Liverpool's inconsistencies this season[3]. A victory over Arsenal might cut the gap to 11 points with 17 games left, yet this 45-minute lapse shattered Szoboszlai's narrative of unflappable title contention, reminding all that one reckless half can derail dreams overnight[1]. Liverpool now face Burnley in the league, desperate to rebuild poise[5].

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