Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup after overcoming Barnsley in a tense encounter at Anfield on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. While the Reds were heavy favorites on paper, they had to endure a challenging contest against a brave and determined visiting side.
Arne Slot’s team initially looked comfortable after opening a two-goal lead in the first half. Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong struck early to give the home crowd confidence that the match would end without drama.
However, a costly mistake by Szoboszlai revived Barnsley’s hopes and turned the atmosphere at Anfield tense heading into halftime. Liverpool eventually secured victory in the dying moments thanks to decisive contributions from their substitutes, setting up a fourth-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Szoboszlai Blunder Gives Barnsley a Lifeline
Liverpool drew first blood through a powerful strike from Szoboszlai outside the penalty area, which goalkeeper Murphy Cooper of Barnsley could not stop. The goal helped ease early pressure after Barnsley came close in the opening minute when Davis Keillor-Dunn’s header rattled the crossbar.
The home side doubled their advantage in the 36th minute. Jeremie Frimpong unleashed a precise left-footed effort, putting Liverpool two goals ahead and seemingly in control of the match.
However, disaster struck just four minutes later. Szoboszlai attempted a backheel pass in his own defensive third aimed at Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the ball went astray. Adam Phillips, a lifelong Liverpool supporter playing for Barnsley, capitalized on the error to score in front of the Kop, sending roughly 6,000 traveling Barnsley fans into celebration.
Controversial Referee Decisions Ignite Barnsley Frustration
Tensions escalated in the second half when Barnsley’s Reyes Cleary went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Szoboszlai. The referee denied the penalty claim, leaving Barnsley coach Conor Hourihane visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
With no VAR available in the third round of the FA Cup, the incident could not be reviewed, adding to the match’s intensity. Despite being 57 positions below Liverpool in the English football pyramid, Barnsley showed no fear and consistently pressed the Reds until the final minutes.
Substitutes Deliver Victory for Liverpool
Liverpool finally put the game beyond doubt thanks to the clever intervention of their substitutes. Hugo Ekitike provided a smart backheel assist for Florian Wirtz, who slotted a powerful shot into the top corner.
The duo combined once more in stoppage time. Ekitike latched onto a ball at the far post to seal Liverpool’s win and ensure the Reds progressed to the next round.
Arne Slot honored his promise of minimal squad rotation, giving young talents Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa starting opportunities, while Ekitike returned from the bench after missing the previous two matches due to injury.
Liverpool Maintains Positive Momentum
The victory carries added significance for Liverpool, who had previously suffered defeats to Barnsley in their last two visits to Anfield in 1997 and 2008.
This result extends Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to 11 matches across all competitions. Despite the anxiety caused by their own defensive lapse, the Reds demonstrated both squad depth and a champion’s mentality.
Looking Ahead to the Fourth Round
With Barnsley dispatched, Liverpool now turn their attention to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where Brighton & Hove Albion await as the next challenge. The upcoming fixture promises a sterner test, but Liverpool’s recent performances and squad rotation strategy indicate they are ready to compete at the highest level.
Arne Slot’s careful management of his squad reflects the balance between nurturing young talent and maintaining competitive consistency. Players like Ekitike and Wirtz have already proven their ability to influence big games, signaling that Liverpool’s bench strength could play a decisive role in their FA Cup run.
Meanwhile, Barnsley can take pride in their spirited performance. Despite the eventual defeat, they demonstrated tactical discipline, courage, and a willingness to challenge a top Premier League side. Their fightback moments and near misses ensured that Liverpool had to remain focused until the final whistle.
Liverpool’s next challenge against Brighton will test the Reds’ resilience further, as the Seagulls are known for their counter-attacking prowess and defensive organization. With momentum on their side and key players regaining fitness, Liverpool look poised to continue their strong FA Cup campaign.
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