Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over League One side Barnsley, but the scoreline did not tell the full story of a dramatic and emotional night at Anfield.
The match turned into a rollercoaster for Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who experienced both the highest praise and the strongest criticism within the same game.
Liverpool started the match with confidence, controlling possession and pushing Barnsley deep into their own half. The pressure paid off when Szoboszlai opened the scoring in spectacular fashion.
The Hungarian midfielder struck a world-class long-range goal, sending the Anfield crowd into celebration. It was his sixth goal of the season and another reminder of his quality from distance.
Soon after, Liverpool doubled their lead through Jeremie Frimpong, whose goal was also a standout moment. At that point, the match looked comfortable for Arne Slot’s side.
However, football can change quickly, and this game was no exception. What followed stunned both the crowd and the Liverpool bench.
Szoboszlai made an inexplicable mistake just yards from his own goal. Instead of clearing the ball safely, he attempted a baffling backheel that went horribly wrong.
The error gifted Barnsley a golden opportunity, and Adam Phillips made no mistake, pulling one back for the visitors and giving them belief.
Suddenly, a match that looked settled became tense. Liverpool still had control, but the mood around Anfield shifted.
Despite the mistake, Liverpool eventually restored their dominance late in the game. Florian Wirtz scored to ease the pressure, and Hugo Ekitike added another to seal a 4-1 victory.
While the result ensured progress in the FA Cup, Arne Slot was clearly unhappy with what he had seen from Szoboszlai.
Speaking after full-time with TNT Sports, Slot addressed the controversy directly after Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane described the action as “disrespectful.”
Slot said: “What does he mean disrespectful? I don’t think you should do that in a Premier League game, League Cup game, friendly game or a training 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.”
The Liverpool manager made it clear that the issue would be handled internally, but his frustration was obvious.
Szoboszlai himself did not hide from responsibility. At the end of the match, he publicly apologized to his teammates for the costly mistake.
He said: “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.”
Despite the error, Szoboszlai was proud of his opening goal, which added to his growing collection of long-range strikes for Liverpool.
Reflecting on the goal, he explained: “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 manager Conor Hourihane, however, was less forgiving when asked if the backheel attempt crossed a line.
He said: “I was a little bit disappointed with our goal. I don’t think a player does that against Chelsea, against Arsenal or in a Champions League game. I’m a little bit disappointed with that to be honest. I thought my lads were top.”
Hourihane went further, adding: “Yeah, potentially [it was disrespectful]. He doesn’t do that against Arsenal, Chelsea or a Champions League game. He doesn’t do that.”
His comments sparked debate among fans and pundits about respect, professionalism, and decision-making at the highest level.
For Liverpool, the focus now shifts forward. The Reds have secured a fourth-round FA Cup clash against Premier League rivals Brighton, a much tougher test than Barnsley.
Arne Slot will hope that the lessons from this match are learned quickly, especially as Liverpool face stronger opposition in the coming weeks.
For Szoboszlai, the night was a reminder of how quickly football can turn. One moment of brilliance can be followed by one costly decision.
Yet, Liverpool’s progress continues, and the FA Cup journey remains alive, even if this Anfield night raised more questions than celebrations.
