Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley: 5 Talking Points with Ngumoha Relentless as Slot Shows Concern

Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 win over League One side Barnsley at Anfield, but it was far from convincing. Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning long-range strike opened the scoring in the 8th minute, curling a 30-yard effort past Murphy Cooper.[1][2][3] Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed finish from the right flank, cutting inside his marker.[1][2][4] However, Szoboszlai's hero-to-villain moment came just before halftime: after chasing back to win the ball, his reckless backheel attempt in his own six-yard box gifted Adam Phillips an easy tap-in, making it 2-1.[1][2][3][5]

Barnsley, 17th in League One, punched above their weight, hitting the post inside 28 seconds via Davis Keillor-Dunn and forcing saves from Giorgi Mamardashvili.[2][4][5] A controversial non-penalty on Reyes Cleary after a challenge by Szoboszlai incensed the visitors' bench—replays showed a slight touch on the ball.[1][2] Arne Slot's concern was evident as Liverpool struggled to dominate a spirited underdog, prompting substitutions around the hour mark: Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Ibrahima Konate entered.[2][3] Virgil van Dijk was denied by Cooper's tip onto the bar.[4][5]

Rio Ngumoha's relentless display stood out; the young talent's floated crosses and energy pinned Barnsley back post-restart, nearly assisting Curtis Jones.[1] Wirtz sealed the win in the 84th minute with a curled finish after Ekitike's flick, before Ekitike tapped home the fourth in stoppage time.[1][2][3][5] Despite the scoreline flattering Liverpool—their 11th straight win without defeat—Slot voiced worries over complacency against lower-league opposition.[3][4] The Reds now face Brighton at Anfield in February.[1][2][3]

Key takeaways: Szoboszlai's brilliance and blunder defined the game; Barnsley's ambition exposed Liverpool's vulnerabilities; Ngumoha's promise shone; Slot's bench impact crucial; a gritty grind rather than a rout.

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