Liverpool beat Barnsley despite Szoboszlai error
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Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley: Reds Advance in FA Cup Despite Szoboszlai Error
Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over third-tier Barnsley in the English FA Cup third round on January 12, 2026, at Anfield, advancing to a home fourth-round tie against Brighton.[3][4]
Arne Slot's side took the game seriously, learning from last season's shock exit to Plymouth. Despite six changes from their midweek Premier League draw at Arsenal, the team remained strong, featuring Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The bench boasted over £250 million in summer signings, including the returning Hugo Ekitike.[4]
Liverpool dominated early. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a sumptuous strike, followed by Jeremie Frimpong's stunning long-range effort in the 36th, putting the Reds 2-0 up and in complete control.[3][4]
Barnsley, 17th in League One, fought back just before halftime. They capitalized on a Szoboszlai error, leading to Callum Phillips scoring the easiest goal of his career, making it 2-1 and shifting momentum as Liverpool appeared to underestimate their opponents.[4]
The visitors pressed in the second half, with goalkeeper Ben Cooper brilliantly tipping a Virgil van Dijk volley onto the crossbar. Liverpool fans grew anxious, some departing to an acoustic "Manic Monday" as tension mounted.[4]
Substitute Florian Wirtz restored calm in the 84th minute, curling home a beauty to make it 3-1. Hugo Ekitike sealed the win in the 90+4th minute, sliding in from close range after a Wirtz assist.[3][4]
The match unfolded amid news of Xabi Alonso's departure from Real Madrid hours before kickoff, though it added no evident pressure on Slot. Liverpool's quality prevailed, but the scare highlighted FA Cup dangers against lower-league sides.[4]