Szoboszlai’s Mixed Night Highlights Liverpool’s FA Cup Progress

LIVERPOOL, England — Dominik Szoboszlai experienced a night of highs and lows during Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie against League One side Barnsley.

Just thirty minutes into the match, Szoboszlai spectacularly opened the scoring for Liverpool, but his moment of brilliance was shortly followed by a costly mistake. A mistimed backheel within his own penalty area gifted Barnsley’s Adam Phillips an opportunity to equalize, and he took it, finding the back of the net.

In the second half, Szoboszlai was involved in further drama, as his challenge on Reyes Cleary sparked appeals for a penalty from the Barnsley side. He later redeemed himself by heading a goal-bound effort from Phillips to safety, helping Liverpool maintain their lead during a period of sustained pressure from Barnsley.

The match ended with Liverpool triumphing 4-1, marking only the second instance in 31 games this season where Arne Slot’s side won by three or more goals. It was not until Florian Wirtz’s late strike in the 84th minute that the game was decisively settled.

With 57 places separating the Premier League champions from their opponents, Slot expected a more commanding performance. Nevertheless, the victory propels Liverpool into the fourth round of the competition, which may represent their best chance at silverware this season.

Having faced criticism for heavy rotation against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last October, Slot made six changes to the lineup that previously drew with Premier League leaders Arsenal. However, the talent gap between Liverpool and a struggling Barnsley team was evident.

Barnsley played with abandon, nearly taking an early lead when Davis Keillor-Dunn’s header struck the post. Szoboszlai’s stunning long-range effort eight minutes into the game was a blow to Barnsley, while Jeremie Frimpong’s impressive solo goal shortly after appeared to signal a comfortable Liverpool lead.

Yet, Liverpool’s tendency to complicate their own affairs resurfaced when Szoboszlai’s error allowed Phillips to score, a moment that frustrated Slot.

“It’s not the first time we’ve been 2-0 up and conceded a sloppy goal,” Slot remarked in the post-match press conference. “This particular incident is frustrating, particularly when the opposition is on the verge of conceding defeat.”

Liverpool’s propensity to make matches difficult for themselves is a concern that Slot and his players must address if they hope to enjoy a more consistent second half of the season.

Despite the pitfalls, Liverpool remains unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions, with the emergence of summer signing Wirtz as a significant positive. After a slow start, he now has five goal contributions in his last six matches, including a goal and an assist against Barnsley.

“The support from the 60,000 fans tonight was incredible,” Slot acknowledged. “We aimed to deliver a more convincing performance than a 2-1 lead until the 84th minute, but we will strive to improve.”

As they prepare to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round next month, Slot is well aware that his team must elevate their performance. Last season, Liverpool faced an early exit from the competition at the hands of Plymouth Argyle at the same stage, but their pursuit of a second Premier League title in 35 years provided a timely boost.

This season, with Liverpool lagging in the title race and eliminated from the Carabao Cup, a successful FA Cup run could be pivotal for Slot in rejuvenating their faltering campaign.