Szoboszlai Shines and Slips as Liverpool Cruise Past Barnsley in FA Cup

Dominik Szoboszlai endured a night of extremes as Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over third-tier Barnsley at Anfield on Monday.

The Hungary international set the tone with a stunning long-range strike, firing a rocket into the top corner to open the scoring. Jeremie Frimpong doubled Liverpool’s advantage before half-time.

However, Szoboszlai then handed the League One visitors a lifeline when a botched backheel inside his own penalty area fell kindly for Adam Phillips, who smashed home to reduce the deficit.

Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane was left incensed midway through the second half when his side were denied a penalty following a challenge by Szoboszlai on Reyes Cleary.

With Liverpool struggling to put the game to bed, Arne Slot turned to his bench just after the hour mark, introducing Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch.

The changes proved decisive late on. Six minutes from time, Ekitike produced a clever flick to set up Wirtz, who curled a fine finish into the top corner for his third goal in five games since opening his Liverpool account on his 23rd appearance.

The duo combined again in stoppage time, this time with Wirtz crossing selflessly for Ekitike to tap in and seal the win.

Liverpool will now face Brighton, who knocked out Manchester United, at home in the fourth round.

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