Dominik Szoboszlai STILL Liverpool’s best despite “horrific” error

In Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a standout performance despite a notorious blunder that gifted the visitors their only goal.[1][2][6]

Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning 35-yard dipping strike, curling the ball into the top corner to set the tone early. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead with a fierce left-footed shot from the right flank, lashing it past Barnsley keeper Murphy Cooper.[1][2]

However, just before half-time, with Liverpool in complete control, Szoboszlai raced back to win possession inside his own six-yard box but opted for a reckless backheel attempt toward goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The miscued flick fell straight to Adam Phillips, a former Liverpool academy product and boyhood Reds fan, who tapped in gleefully in front of the Kop—halving the deficit at 2-1.[1][2][3][5]

Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane slammed the error as "disrespectful," suggesting Szoboszlai wouldn't attempt such flair against top sides like Chelsea or Arsenal. Liverpool manager Arne Slot echoed the frustration, calling it a "sloppy" goal that shifted momentum and wasn't the first such lapse this season, vowing a private word with the Hungarian.[1][3]

The second half grew nervy, with Barnsley nearly equalizing early via Davis Keillor-Dunn's header against the post. Szoboszlai escaped a potential penalty for a challenge on Reyes Cleary, deemed fair on replay despite shirt-pulling. Liverpool steadied, as substitute Florian Wirtz curled home in the 84th minute, and Hugo Ekitike sealed it late, booking a fourth-round home tie against Brighton.[2][3]

Despite the "horrific" gaffe—one of Anfield's worst concessions—Szoboszlai topped player ratings for his goal, energy, and overall dominance, embodying Liverpool's thrilling yet frustrating style under Slot.[6]

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