### Liverpool Advances to FA Cup Fourth Round with Dominik Szoboszlai's Mixed Performance Liverpool secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on January 13, 2026. The match was marked by a standout performance from midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored a stunning long-range goal but also made a critical error that allowed Barnsley to score. This win propels Liverpool into the fourth round, where they will face Brighton and Hove Albion. The match showcased Liverpool's attacking prowess, but also highlighted vulnerabilities in their defense, particularly through Szoboszlai's blunder. ### Breakdown of the Match Events and Key Players 1. **Match Overview** - Liverpool dominated the match, scoring four goals while conceding one. - Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a spectacular goal in the 9th minute. - Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead in the 36th minute. - Barnsley capitalized on a defensive mistake by Szoboszlai to score in the 40th minute. - Late goals from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike sealed the victory for Liverpool. 2. **Key Players** - **Dominik Szoboszlai**: Scored the opening goal but made a costly error leading to Barnsley's goal. - **Jeremie Frimpong**: Contributed significantly with a goal to extend Liverpool's lead. - **Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike**: Both scored in the final minutes to secure the win. 3. **Match Statistics** - **Final Score**: Liverpool 4, Barnsley 1 - **Goals**: Szoboszlai (9'), Frimpong (36'), Phillips (40' for Barnsley), Wirtz (84'), Ekitike (90+1') - **Possession**: Liverpool dominated possession, controlling the pace of the game. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Match Highlights**: - Szoboszlai's goal was described as a "thunderous strike" from distance, showcasing his skill and potential as a key player for Liverpool [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/liverpool-vs-barnsley-fa-cup-2025-26-third-round-dominik-szoboszlai-in-pics]. - The defensive lapse that allowed Barnsley to score was a significant moment, illustrating the need for Liverpool to tighten their defense [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-barnsley-fa-cup-goals-third-round-result-szoboszlai-b2899166.html]. - Liverpool's late goals demonstrated their ability to capitalize on opportunities, ensuring a comfortable win despite the earlier scare [https://www.apnews.com/article/liverpool-barnsley-fa-cup-szoboszlai-d4a335318fb07c77c0001e0bd2d9b884]. ### Conclusion: Liverpool's Path Forward in the FA Cup In summary, **Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Barnsley not only highlights their offensive capabilities but also underscores areas for improvement in defense**. Szoboszlai's dual role as both a hero and a villain in this match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. Moving forward, Liverpool will need to address defensive lapses as they prepare for their next challenge against Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round. 1. **Key Takeaway**: Liverpool's attacking strength is evident, but defensive consistency is crucial. 2. **Next Match**: Liverpool will face Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup. 3. **Player Focus**: Szoboszlai's performance will be closely monitored as he continues to develop in a pivotal role for the team. For further details, you can refer to the match reports and analyses from various sources [https://www.nine.com.au/sport/football/fa-cup-2026-third-round-results-liverpool-defeat-barnsley-dominik-szoboszlai-opening-goal-late-howler-20260113-p5ntn9.html, https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/01/13/szoboszlai-shines-and-stumbles-as-liverpool-beat-barnsley-4-1-in-fa-cup-clash/205210].