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Late goals add shine as Liverpool beat spirited Barnsley in FA Cup
It was a moment Dominik Szoboszlai will likely want to forget.
In a match where the 25-year-old midfielder also scored a remarkable goal, he committed an error that Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane deemed “disrespectful” and Liverpool boss Arne Slot called “weird.”
After winning the ball from Adam Phillips, Szoboszlai attempted a backheel pass to Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili within his own penalty area, but misjudged the pass, allowing Phillips an easy tap-in.
Ultimately inconsequential to the result, the incident became a primary talking point after the match.
“I don’t believe such a play is appropriate in an FA Cup, League Cup, friendly, or even training session,” Slot stated. “It was an unusual choice, and while I have my opinion, I prefer to discuss it with Dom directly.”
Hourihane expressed his displeasure with Szoboszlai’s initial decision to attempt the backheel.
“I was disappointed with our goal because he [Szoboszlai] wouldn’t attempt that against Chelsea or Arsenal,” Hourihane told TNT Sports.
When asked if he considered it disrespectful, Hourihane replied, “Potentially. I don’t think he would do that in a Premier League or Champions League match, so I was a bit disappointed. It seemed a lack of respect.”
“Delighted for Adam, but disrespectful from their player’s point of view.”
Beyond the error, Szoboszlai’s performance was notable as he became the first Premier League player this season to score a goal, complete over 100 passes (105), and regain possession more than 10 times (12) in a single game.
“I apologize to the team. I made it difficult for us with a simple mistake. But football moves forward, and we advance to the next round,” he commented.
Jobi McAnuff, former Crystal Palace and Reading winger, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “The first half was almost too comfortable for Liverpool. Barnsley had opportunities they didn’t capitalize on before their goal, and it can lead to a mindset where you attempt plays you normally wouldn’t.”
“The game was secure at that point, and it’s just one of those unfortunate situations. It looks worse with each replay. Whatever he intended, it went completely wrong.”
On TNT Sports, Joleon Lescott, former Manchester City defender, concurred that the error was “disrespectful,” while Ally McCoist, ex-Scotland striker, described it as “incredible.”
Liverpool hit four against Barnsley to set up Brighton tie
The Hungarian midfielder was also involved in a contentious second-half incident. At 2-1, Barnsley appealed for a penalty when Reyes Cleary went down in the box following a challenge by Szoboszlai.
“At the time, I thought it was a clear penalty,” Hourihane said. “He [Cleary] got ahead of the player, and it seemed like a penalty immediately. I think some suggested he [Szoboszlai] might have touched the ball, but others felt he realized he was in trouble and began pulling Reyes’ shirt.”
“It would have been a crucial moment, 2-1, a penalty in front of our fans, and you never know what might happen after that. So, it was a significant decision that probably went against us.”
On TNT Sports, McCoist added: “That’s a penalty, definitely. There’s no debate. Szoboszlai pulls Cleary’s shirt and also catches his right foot. It’s understandable that Conor Hourihane is animated on the sideline.”
However, Lescott disagreed: “If his shirt was being pulled, I’d question why he fell forward and not back. To me, it’s not a penalty.”
Regardless, with the absence of video assistant referees (VAR) until the FA Cup’s fifth round, the referee’s on-field decision stood.
“There was no VAR, so even if he [the referee] made an error, there was no chance to correct it,” Slot said. “I was told it was not a penalty and Dominik played the ball. I witnessed two instances in Arsenal’s box on Thursday evening that were more deserving of a penalty.”
Ultimately, Liverpool extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games across all competitions (W6, D5), marking their best run since a 24-match unbeaten stretch between September 2024 and January 2025.
Slot’s decision to bring on Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike around the hour mark sent a clear message, and the pair combined effectively late in the game to ensure a comfortable finish for the home side.
Wirtz, in particular, demonstrated his quality during his 30-minute appearance.
“When you come on for half an hour and contribute a goal, an assist, and several other positive moments, it’s safe to say he brought creativity to the team, which is what we needed,” Slot said.
“We wanted to demonstrate that we take the FA Cup seriously,” Szoboszlai added. “We always do. We showed again today that we need the entire squad. The new players who haven’t played as much showed a lot of quality. We need everyone.”
Fortunately for him, Liverpool avoided being punished for his moment of misjudgment.
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