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WEDNESDAY | JAN 14, 2026

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D OMINIK SZOBOSZLAI produced a sublime goal and a ridiculous error as Liverpool eased to a 4-1 win over third-tier Barnsley to reach the FA Cup fourth round. The Hungarian international unleashed a rocket into the top corner from long range to open the scoring at Anfield yesterday. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the home side’s lead before halftime. But Szoboszlai gifted the League One side a route back into the tie when he fluffed an attempted backheel inside his own box and Adam Phillips grate fully smashed home. Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane was furious his side were not awarded a penalty mid way through the second half for a trip by Szoboszlai on Reyes Cleary. Arne Slot was forced to empty his bench of key players as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch were introduced just after the hour mark. Liverpool laboured going for ward for most of the second period until their star duo of sub stitutes clicked to clinch victory in the final six minutes plus added time. Ekitike’s deft flick found Wirtz, who curled into the top corner for his third goal in five games since break ing his duck in his 23rd appearance for the Reds. The roles were t C h W K w h

2-0 up, there are no problems in the game and we concede a sloppy or an easy goal, but this stands out even for us. “It doesn’t help to concede a goal when you are 2-0 up. Normally when you are 2-0 up the other team is close to accepting their loss, especially if you can have the ball so much. “But if you give away an easy goal as we have done so many times this season, it is a big differ ence in mindset for the other team. It is definitely not helpful for us.” For his part, Szoboszlai offered an apologetic response to his col leagues after the final whistle, say ing: “Sorry for the team again. “I made it hard for us with an easy mistake I would say but foot ball happens. We move on and take the next round.” Szoboszlai, on the other hand, was thrilled with his long-range goal, adding to his impressive col lection. The midfielder shared: “Yeah finally I got in my position and I didn’t really think much. If I have a chance to shoot so I just take the chance and shot it and finally hit the goal so good.” Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane said the Liverpool midfielder had disrespected his League One side. “It is such an amazing feeling for Adam scoring in front of the Kop. Liverpool fan, coming through the academy,” said Hourihane. “It’s something he can look

w p s Fuming Slot

Szoboszlai marries the sublime and the ridiculous in muddled display

“Sorry for the team again. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake I would say but football happens. We move on and take the next round.”

reversed in stop page time as Wirtz unselfishly crossed for Ekitike to tap in. After the match, Liverpool manager Slot was frustrated with midfielder Szoboszlai’s lapse in concentration. “ I don’t think you

back on for the rest of his life and say he did that. Not many people can say that. “But it was a little bit disre spectful from their player, to be honest. I don’t think he does that against Chelsea or Arsenal or in a Champions League game. “Delighted for Adam, but dis respectful from their player’s point of view. I’m really proud. Liverpool had to bring on every superstar on the bench to get it over the line,” added Hourihane. “We got a bit tired towards the end and conceded that third and fourth that I thought we didn’t deserve.” Liverpool’s victory sets up a fourth-round showdown with Premier League rivals Brighton at Anfield in mid-February. – Express Newspapers/ The Independent/ AFP

should do that in a Premier League game, League Cup game, friendly game or a train ing session. “It’s a weird choice and I also have my opinion about it but I prefer to keep that to myself and speak about it with Dom. “It is not the first time, I am talking generally, we are

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English FA Cup third round match against Barnsley at Anfield yesterday. – AFPPIC

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