Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley: Match Report & Highlights

Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round, despite a spirited performance from the underdogs.[1][2]

Barnsley started aggressively, striking the post just 28 seconds in via Davis Keillor-Dunn's header in front of the Kop. Liverpool responded quickly, with Dominik Szoboszlai opening the scoring in the 9th minute with a fine finish.[1][2] Jeremie Frimpong, filling in at right-back for the injured Conor Bradley, doubled the lead in the 36th minute, cutting inside on his left foot to curl a shot high into the net.[1][2]

Barnsley pulled one back just four minutes later in the 40th minute. Former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips capitalized on a bizarre error by Szoboszlai, who attempted a flick to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili three yards from goal and missed, gifting Phillips an easy tap-in.[1][2] At halftime, it was Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley, with the visitors arguably creating more chances.[3]

The second half saw Barnsley continue to threaten, including a controversial penalty claim waved away. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk had a shot tipped onto the bar by Barnsley keeper Murphy Cooper. Manager Arne Slot introduced high-value substitutes: Florian Wirtz, returning Hugo Ekitike, and Ibrahima Konate.[1]

Liverpool sealed the win late on. In the 84th minute, Wirtz curled home after Ekitike's deft flick, redeeming an earlier miss.[1][2] Then, in the 90+4th minute, Ekitike scored the fourth from very close range, assisted by Wirtz.[1][2] Final score: Liverpool 4 (Szoboszlai 9', Frimpong 36', Wirtz 84', Ekitike 90+4'), Barnsley 1 (Phillips 40').[2]

Barnsley can be proud of their display, surviving scares and pushing the Reds all game.[1]