Liverpool 4-0 Accrington: Match report & talking points as Chiesa scores first goal | OneFootball

Liverpool cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup as they beat League Two Accrington Stanley 4-0 at Anfield.

First-half goals from Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold gave the Reds a handy lead at the break following a one-sided first half.

And, despite a few moments of encouragement for the visitors in the second period, the game was wrapped up late on by a Jayden Danns strike and Federico Chiesa's first goal for Liverpool.

Although changes were expected, Arne Slot sprung one major surprise in his starting XI by handing a debut to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.

Having inevitably dominated possession from the off, it was Liverpool who created the first chance, Darwin Nunez heading over from a Harvey Elliott cutback. The Uruguayan then blasted over a more presentable opportunity that had landed to him after Trent Alexander-Arnold went close.

But, just as it appeared Accrington Stanley were beginning to get comfortable, the hosts found their breakthrough. It came after they had successfully defended a free-kick delivery into their own box, and saw Alexander-Arnold play in Nunez, who squared for a Jota tap-in.

Alexander-Arnold then ensured that lead was doubled just before the break, thundering a beautiful finish into the far top corner from the right edge of the box.

Trent Alexander-Arnold ripped home a superb goal / Jan Kruger/GettyImages

Liverpool started the second half in similarly dominant mood, but were indebted to a block on the line and the width of the crossbar for Josh Woods failing to reduce the deficit with two chances in quick succession.

Donald Love then offered a further reminder that the game was not over, heading a chance that he should have done so much better with over the bar.

Unfortunately for Accrington, their hopes were effectively extinguished when substitute Danns thrashed home on the follow-up after a Chiesa effort had been saved.

And the Italian, regularly linked with a move to Napoli in this January transfer window, added gloss to the scoreline just before the end of normal time, striking in off the post from the edge of the box.

Check out the player ratings for Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley here.

Ngumoha justifies inclusion

Rio Ngumoha became Liverpool's youngest-ever FA Cup starter / Jan Kruger/GettyImages

Slot have proven during his brief time at Liverpool that he is not a manager who hands out first-team appearances lightly - just ask Federico Chiesa.

And so the inclusion of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha in the starting XI for this one felt like a significant endorsement of his talents.

The young winger, who was poached from Chelsea this summer, showed why is so highly rated at Anfield and why his former club were so devastated to lose him with an exciting display of dribbling.

It seems clear that this won't be the last time he will grace the Anfield pitch, with more opportunities possibly awaiting this season, such was the impressive, mature nature of his performance.

Slot gets what he wants from tie

Arne Slot embraces Trent Alexander-Arnold after his substitution / OLI SCARFF/GettyImages

Slot could not have asked for more from the draw for the third round of the FA Cup than a home game against League Two opposition.

And the Dutchman will be delighted that every aspect of the day went about as well as could have been hoped.

A comfortable win that keeps Liverpool in the competition, important minutes for fringe players and youngsters, and no fresh injuries that might derail the season - it doesn't get much better than that.

Chiesa takes important step forward

Chiesa struck from range to put added gloss on the scoreline / Jan Kruger/GettyImages

A 45-minute outing against League Two opposition might not have been everything Chiesa was dreaming of following his summer move to Liverpool, but it'll do for now.

Fitness issues have plagued the Italian since his arrival on Merseyside, meaning he has found his opportunities limited even in the domestic cup competitions.

However, he looked sharp and up for the physical challenge after emerging as a half-time substitute in this one, creating chances, hitting the post, and then capping things off by scoring impressively.

The challenge now is for Chiesa to build on this by forcing his way into the manager's plans around more important fixtures.