Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai found himself under the spotlight for the wrong reasons after a careless backheel led to a goal against his own team during the FA Cup third-round clash with Barnsley. The incident did not go unnoticed, as Reds defender Andrew Robertson openly criticized the Hungarian international for the high-risk play.
Liverpool hosted Barnsley at Anfield on Tuesday (13/1/2026) early morning WIB. Despite the error, the home side dominated proceedings and secured a convincing 4-1 victory, extending their unbeaten form and advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Liverpool’s Comprehensive Win Overshadowed by Szoboszlai Blunder
The scoring opened early as Szoboszlai himself found the net in the 9th minute, giving Liverpool a fast start. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead in the 36th minute, but Barnsley’s Adam Phillips pulled one back in the 40th minute following Szoboszlai’s risky backheel in Liverpool’s defensive third. The Reds restored control in the second half with Florian Wirtz scoring in the 84th minute, and Hugo Ekitike sealed the 4-1 result deep into stoppage time at 90+4.
With this positive outcome, Liverpool are set to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round, scheduled for mid-February 2026 at Anfield.
The Risky Backheel That Cost Liverpool
Despite Liverpool’s dominant display, the match was briefly marred by Szoboszlai’s moment of misjudgment. As Barnsley launched an attack late in the first half, the Hungarian midfielder chased the ball back into his own defensive area. Under pressure and just a few meters from Liverpool’s goal, Szoboszlai attempted a flick—a backheel—rather than safely clearing the ball.
The move backfired spectacularly. Instead of alleviating danger, the attempt presented a golden opportunity for Adam Phillips, who calmly converted the chance into a goal. This moment briefly reignited Barnsley’s hopes of a comeback and made the game more tense than it should have been.
When asked whether the risky decision allowed Barnsley to breathe life back into the match, Andrew Robertson replied candidly: “That’s one way to put it!”
Robertson Reacts: Frustration Despite Szoboszlai’s Effort
Robertson acknowledged Szoboszlai’s prior efforts during the match, noting that the midfielder had previously sprinted 60 yards to recover the ball, earning applause from the Kop. “What’s frustrating is Dom actually made an incredible run earlier. He got a round of applause, and I’m not sure if that relaxed him a bit,” Robertson said.
While the team could later joke about the incident, Robertson emphasized that errors of this nature are unacceptable at the professional level.
“We can laugh about it now, but conceding a goal in that manner is not acceptable,” Robertson explained. “Dom knows it too. He’s been outstanding this season, and in that game, he was excellent overall.”
The defender also highlighted the impact on both goalkeeper and defense. “We can’t make mistakes like that repeatedly in the six-yard box. I think Gio Mamardashvili (Liverpool’s goalkeeper) wasn’t too pleased either. Goalkeepers want a clean sheet, and the backline wants stability. That’s not ideal—it allowed them back into the game briefly. The 2-1 scoreline held for a while and made things slightly tense, even though we eventually wrapped up the match,” Robertson added.
Immediate Team Response and Apology
According to Robertson, Liverpool’s players immediately addressed the issue on the field. Szoboszlai, fully aware of his error, apologized during halftime.
“We all said something to him at the moment, and he apologized at the break,” Robertson revealed. “If there’s a player whose performance is hardest to criticize this season, it’s Dom. He always gives 100% every match. Unfortunately, he lost focus briefly, and that’s not something we can tolerate, especially in important games.”
Szoboszlai’s Season Remains Impressive
Despite the blunder, Szoboszlai’s overall contributions this season have been significant. He remains a key player for Liverpool, providing goals, assists, and creativity in midfield. The backheel mishap, while costly in context, is considered an isolated error rather than a reflection of his form or ability.
Liverpool fans and analysts alike have noted that Szoboszlai’s performance against Barnsley, aside from the defensive lapse, demonstrated his quality and attacking threat. The midfielder’s ability to score early, create opportunities, and link up play remains central to Arne Slot’s tactical plans.
Looking Ahead
As Liverpool progress to the FA Cup fourth round against Brighton, Szoboszlai is expected to maintain his role in the squad, with lessons learned from his backheel mistake. Meanwhile, Robertson’s frank feedback underscores the team’s focus on discipline and concentration, especially in critical areas near goal.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins in professional football. Even world-class players can make mistakes, and how a team responds—both on the field and in training—can define their success across competitions. With Szoboszlai’s talent and determination, Liverpool will look to minimize such errors while capitalizing on his creativity in future matches.
In conclusion, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s careless backheel briefly threatened Liverpool’s dominance against Barnsley, the team’s response, leadership from players like Andrew Robertson, and eventual 4-1 victory ensured the Reds remain focused and undefeated in the FA Cup. The incident is a learning moment, but it does not overshadow Szoboszlai’s overall impressive contribution this season.
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