Szoboszlai madness almost costs Liverpool in messy FA Cup win

Liverpool avoid disaster at Anfield

Liverpool avoided a major FA Cup shock but made life far harder than necessary as they edged past League One side Barnsley with an unconvincing 4-1 win at Anfield.

The Reds were cruising before half-time thanks to two superb goals, but a moment of astonishing recklessness from Dominik Szoboszlai handed Barnsley a lifeline and turned a comfortable night into a nervy one.

Stunning goals give Liverpool control

Arne Slot’s side started strongly and took the lead through Szoboszlai, who struck a magnificent dipping effort from 35 yards that left the goalkeeper helpless.

Liverpool doubled their advantage soon after when Jeremie Frimpong cut inside from the right and smashed a powerful left-footed shot past Murphy Cooper. At 2-0, with minutes left in the first half, the hosts appeared completely in control.

Szoboszlai’s nightmare moment

That control vanished in an instant. After tracking back well to win possession inside his own box, Szoboszlai attempted an outrageous backheel inside the six-yard area.

The careless touch gifted Adam Phillips the easiest goal of his career, with the former Liverpool trainee scoring in front of the Kop to give Barnsley belief.

The visitors, sitting 17th in League One, grew in confidence and began to ask uncomfortable questions, while Liverpool suddenly looked unsure and sloppy.

Barnsley push as nerves grow

Barnsley continued to press after the break and were unlucky not to draw level on several occasions. Liverpool needed a brilliant save from Giorgi Mamardashvili and later saw Virgil van Dijk’s volley tipped onto the crossbar at the other end.

Szoboszlai was fortunate to escape further punishment, with Barnsley furious that a strong challenge on Reyes Cleary was not reviewed for a possible penalty.

Late goals seal progress

With tension growing inside Anfield, substitute Florian Wirtz finally settled the contest in the 84th minute, curling a composed finish into the corner.

Hugo Ekitike added a fourth in stoppage time to give the scoreline a flattering look and book a home tie against Brighton in the next round.

Slot still searching for calm

Liverpool remain unbeaten, but this was another performance that raised questions rather than answers. The quality is clear, yet lapses in concentration continue to creep in.

Progress is all that matters in the FA Cup, but Arne Slot will know that nights like this cannot become a habit.