Liverpool see off brave Barnsley to reach FA Cup fourth round | OneFootball

Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 win over a spirited Barnsley side at Anfield, though the scoreline only told part of the story.

The League One visitors showed no fear and could have stunned the holders inside the opening minute when Davis Keillor-Dunn rose above Joe Gomez to crash a header against the post. It set the tone for an impressively bold start from the Tykes.

The hosts weathered that early scare and struck first through a moment of quality. Dominik Szoboszlai picked up a pass from Alexis Mac Allister and unleashed a stunning 25-yard effort into the top corner, giving the hosts the lead against the run of play.

The visirors refused to retreat and continued to cause problems. However, Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the half when Jeremie Frimpong drove inside and powered a left-footed finish beyond Murphy Cooper.

Just as Liverpool appeared to be in control, Barnsley were handed a lifeline. Szoboszlai, attempting an ill-judged backheel inside his own box, gifted Adam Phillips the simplest of tap-ins against his former club to make it 2-1 at the break.

Conor Hourihane's side carried their confidence into the second half and felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty when Reyes Cleary went down under pressure from Szoboszlai, but referee Farai Hallam waved away the appeals.

Liverpool gradually reasserted control and came close through Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, while substitute Florian Wirtz missed a gilt-edged chance after arriving late in the box. The German made amends shortly after, though, latching onto a clever Hugo Ekitike flick before rifling an unstoppable strike into the top corner to put the tie beyond doubt.

Barnsley continued to threaten on the break, but Liverpool sealed the win in stoppage time when Ekitike finished calmly after a swift counter-attack.

It was far from routine for the Premier League champions, but Liverpool’s cutting edge proved decisive as they set up a fourth-round meeting with Brighton.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Liverpool takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Barnsley. Dominik Szoboszlai scores with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area, finding the top left corner of the net. The assist came from Alexis Mac Allister.

9':

GOAL Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) scores!

Dominik Szoboszlai scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches) Dominik Szoboszlai scores goal number 22 for his team (123 matches)

13':

Missed opportunity. Davis Keillor-Dunn from Barnsley took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

Liverpool leads Barnsley 2-0. Jeremie Frimpong scores with a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, sending the ball into the top center of the net. The assist came from Alexis Mac Allister.

36':

GOAL Liverpool: Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool) scores!

Jeremie Frimpong scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches) Jeremie Frimpong scores goal number 3 for his team (16 matches)

Liverpool 2, Barnsley 1. Adam Phillips from Barnsley scores with a left-footed shot taken from just a short distance.

40':

GOAL Barnsley: Adam Phillips (Barnsley) scores!

Adam Phillips scores goal number 1 in the competition (2 matches)

65':

Missed opportunity! Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool heads the ball from the middle of the box, but it goes just wide to the left. The chance was set up by Cody Gakpo, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

76':

Missed opportunity! Florian Wirtz from Liverpool took a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but it went wide.

77':

Missed opportunity! Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes over the goal and to the right. He was set up by Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool leads 3-1 against Barnsley. Florian Wirtz scores with a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

84':

GOAL Liverpool: Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) scores!

Florian Wirtz scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches) Florian Wirtz scores goal number 4 for his team (28 matches)

90 +4':

GOAL Liverpool: Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool) scores!

Hugo Ekitiké scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

90 +4':

Opportunity wasted. David McGoldrick from Barnsley had a header from the middle of the penalty area that went off target.

Liverpool leads 4-1 against Barnsley. Hugo Ekitiké scores with a left-footed shot from just a few yards out, finding the center of the net. The assist comes from Florian Wirtz.

90 +4':

Missed opportunity! David McGoldrick from Barnsley heads the ball from the center of the box, but it sails just over the crossbar. The cross was delivered by Reyes Cleary.

Liverpool leads 4-1 against Barnsley. Hugo Ekitiké scores with a left-footed shot from just a few yards out, finding the center of the net. The assist comes from Florian Wirtz.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match