Recapping Liverpool's Mixed Bag Performance in the 4-1 Win Over Barnsley

In the FA Cup third round clash at Anfield on January 13, 2026, Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over Sky Bet League One side Barnsley, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round. However, the performance was far from convincing, marked by brilliant moments overshadowed by defensive lapses and individual errors.[1][2]

The Reds started strongly, with Dominik Szoboszlai opening the scoring in the 9th minute via a stunning strike, followed by Jeremie Frimpong's exquisite left-footed finish from the right flank in the 36th minute, giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead. Barnsley, showing remarkable resilience, hit the post early through Davis Keillor-Dunn and nearly equalized.[2][3]

Disaster struck just before halftime when Szoboszlai, after tracking back to win possession, attempted a reckless backheel inside his own six-yard box, gifting former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips an easy tap-in for Barnsley's goal in the 40th minute. The error shifted momentum, with Barnsley pushing for more and controversially denied a penalty on Reyes Cleary after a challenge by Szoboszlai—no VAR in this round.[1][2][3]

The second half saw Liverpool dominate possession but struggle to create clear chances. Goalkeeper Murphy Cooper brilliantly tipped a Virgil van Dijk volley onto the bar, while substitutes Florian Wirtz (on for Keyrol Figuroa) and Hugo Ekitike (returning from injury) turned the tide late. Wirtz curled home the third in the 84th minute after Ekitike's flick, then assisted the French forward's close-range fourth in the 90+4th, sealing a nervy win.[1][2][4]

Manager Arne Slot rotated heavily, starting Frimpong at right-back amid injuries, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal and a mix of youth like Ngumoha. Barnsley, 17th in League One, impressed with their fight, nearly causing an upset. Analysts noted Liverpool's underestimation of opponents, with Steve Nicol unimpressed by the display. The win keeps FA Cup hopes alive amid a potentially salvaging cup run.[2][3][4]

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