Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley: Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike Goals Secure FA Cup Win

Liverpool advanced in the FA Cup third round with a 4-1 victory over Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026, overcoming a nervy moment to dominate the lower-league visitors.[1][5]

Arne Slot fielded a strong side, mindful of last year's shock loss to Plymouth, featuring stars like Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Jeremie Frimpong. Liverpool controlled the first half with 78% possession, firing nine shots including three on target.[1]

Frimpong opened the scoring in the 36th minute, darting into the box from the right and smashing a left-footed shot past Barnsley's Murphy Cooper for his first Anfield goal. Four minutes later, disaster struck: Szoboszlai's botched backheel in his own box allowed Adam Phillips to pounce and slot home, making it 2-1 at halftime in a shock moment of persistence from the striker.[1]

The Reds responded decisively in the second half. Florian Wirtz, introduced as a substitute, restored the two-goal lead with a right-footed finish from the centre of the box, assisted by Hugo Ekitiké.[5] Ekitiké and Wirtz combined effectively, with the former providing the key pass. Liverpool sealed the win with a fourth goal, though details vary across reports—likely from Szoboszlai or another attacker, aligning with the final 4-1 scoreline.[1][5]

Joe Gomez picked up a yellow card for fouling Reyes Cleary on a counter. Substitutes included Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool's lineup, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal.[5] Barnsley threatened sporadically but couldn't match Liverpool's quality.[1][3]

This result avoids a potential banana skin, propelling Liverpool forward in the cup while showcasing squad depth amid injuries to players like Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley.[3]