Liverpool Survive Szoboszlai Blunder to Edge Barnsley 4-1 in FA Cup Thriller

Liverpool secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a nervy 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield on Monday night, thanks to stunning strikes but marred by a costly error from Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Reds took the lead in the 9th minute when Szoboszlai unleashed a sumptuous volley to put Liverpool ahead against the third-tier visitors.[1][3] Jeremie Frimpong doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with a brilliant left-footed finish from the right flank, cutting inside to fire high into the net.[2][3]

Barnsley, sitting 17th in Sky Bet League One, refused to be overawed and nearly scored inside 28 seconds through Davis Keillor-Dunn's header that struck the post.[3] Their persistence paid off just before half-time when former Liverpool academy product Adam Phillips capitalised on Szoboszlai's bizarre backheel attempt inside his own six-yard box, slotting home to make it 2-1.[1][2][3]

The second half saw Barnsley push for an equaliser, with goalkeeper Ben Cooper brilliantly tipping Virgil van Dijk's volley onto the crossbar.[2] Tensions rose further when Szoboszlai's reckless challenge on Reyes Cleary sparked penalty claims, controversially waved away without VAR intervention.[2][3]

Liverpool finally sealed the win in the 84th minute as substitute Florian Wirtz curled a beauty into the top corner after a deft flick from Hugo Ekitike, who then tapped in the fourth in stoppage time (90+4') from Wirtz's assist.[1][2][3]

The result sets up a home tie against Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round, offering Liverpool a potential lifeline in a testing season.[1][3][4] Despite the victory, former Reds legend Steve Nicol admitted he was 'not impressed' by the performance against lower-league opposition.[1]

Barnsley can take pride in their spirited display, pushing the Premier League giants close and threatening a shock upset.[3]