## Reds Survive Tykes Scare to Book FA Cup Fourth Round Spot
Liverpool weathered a spirited challenge from League One side Barnsley, ultimately prevailing with a 4-1 victory at Anfield to secure their passage into the FA Cup fourth round. While the scoreline might suggest a comfortable win for the Premier League champions, Barnsley displayed immense bravery and quality, matching their illustrious opponents for significant stretches before succumbing to a quartet of spectacular Liverpool strikes.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and a late addition from Hugo Ekitike sealed the win for the Reds. Barnsley’s consolation came from former Liverpool academy prospect Adam Phillips, who capitalized on a momentary defensive lapse from Szoboszlai. Despite their valiant efforts and a contentious penalty decision that went against them, the Tykes could not prevent Liverpool from advancing to face Brighton in the next round.
### A Rollercoaster First Half: Early Shocks and Reds’ Response
The opening exchanges at Anfield were far from what many expected. Barnsley, under Conor Hourihane, almost authored a dream start within the first minute. Davis Keilor-Dunn soared above Joe Gomez, unleashing a powerful header that crashed against the post, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambling. This early scare was quickly followed by another moment of brilliance from Barnsley’s standout player, Reyes Cleary, who bypassed Virgil van Dijk but couldn’t connect with Keilor-Dunn’s subsequent cross, signaling the underdog’s intent.
However, the Premier League giants soon stamped their authority on the game. Alexis Mac Allister instigated the move that led to Dominik Szoboszlai unleashing a breathtaking 25-yard thunderbolt that screamed into the top corner, quashing Barnsley’s initial optimism and putting Liverpool ahead.
Yet, Barnsley’s confidence remained unbowed. Keillor-Dunn continued to trouble the Liverpool defense, testing Van Dijk with a well-taken shot that forced a save from Mamardashvili. But Liverpool’s clinical edge soon shone through again. Jeremie Frimpong showcased his attacking prowess, driving purposefully inwards before unleashing a fierce left-footed strike that found the back of the net, doubling Liverpool’s advantage.
#### Brilliance and Blunder: Szoboszlai’s Mixed Fortunes
Just as Liverpool appeared to be taking control, Barnsley pulled a goal back through Adam Phillips. The goal, however, was less about Barnsley’s attacking genius and more about a truly bewildering error from Szoboszlai. Carrying the ball deep inside his own box, the Hungarian midfielder attempted a bizarre backheel pass to his goalkeeper, miscuing it horribly and gifting Phillips the simplest of tap-ins. The halftime whistle blew with the score at a precarious 2-1, leaving the contest wide open.
### Tykes’ Tenacity in the Second Half: Controversy and Clinical Finishes
The second half mirrored the first in Barnsley’s eagerness to attack. Reyes Cleary, a constant thorn in Liverpool’s side, continued to cause problems down the left flank. Despite their persistent pressure, Liverpool’s attacking threat remained potent. Rio Ngumoha delivered an inviting ball across the box that went unconverted, and Virgil van Dijk then forced a spectacular reflex save from Barnsley goalkeeper Murphy Cooper, who acrobatically tipped his header over the bar.
#### Contentious Call and Cleary’s Impact
The match’s most controversial moment arrived when Cleary burst into the box once more, only to be brought down by the omnipresent Szoboszlai. Despite appeals for a penalty – with replays suggesting a tug on the shirt and slight contact with the leg – referee Farai Hallam waved play on. An incensed Hourihane received a yellow card for his vehement protests from the touchline, highlighting the significance of the denied spot-kick for the Tykes who were still only a goal behind.
Van Dijk then narrowly missed finding the corner with another header from a Cody Gakpo cross, as the lively encounter maintained its frantic pace. Substitute Florian Wirtz initially squandered a golden opportunity, his nonchalant effort from Szoboszlai’s cross sailing over the bar when it seemed easier to score.
#### Clinical Finishers Seal the Deal
However, Wirtz quickly redeemed himself. Demonstrating exceptional composure, he converted an even more challenging chance, latching onto a Hugo Ekitike flick and lashing the ball into the top corner with venom, thereby continuing Liverpool’s theme of outstanding goals and finally sealing the victory.
Barnsley, particularly through the tireless efforts of Cleary, continued to push forward in search of another lifeline. But in the dying moments, Liverpool launched a swift counter-attack, and Hugo Ekitike calmly slotted home their fourth goal, putting a slightly more emphatic gloss on what had been a much tighter affair than the final score suggested. Liverpool now look ahead to a challenging fourth-round fixture against Brighton, while Barnsley can hold their heads high after a spirited performance against formidable opposition.