Dominik Szoboszlai Liverpool Barnsley Error: A Hero and Villain Performance

It was a night of polar extremes for Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian international unleashed a thunderous rocket into the top corner before handing Barnsley a lifeline with a "weird" defensive blunder. Despite the individual drama, Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory at Anfield on January 12, 2026, according to AFP, moving them into the FA Cup fourth round.

The Dominik Szoboszlai Liverpool Barnsley Error Breakdown

Liverpool seemed to be cruising after Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead following Szoboszlai's opener. However, the game took a bizarre turn when Szoboszlai attempted a casual backheel inside his own penalty area. The League One side’s Adam Phillips intercepted the gifted ball and smashed it home, infuriating manager Arne Slot.

Slot’s Displeasure and Hourihane’s Disrespect Claim

"I don't think you should do that in an FA Cup game, or a training session. It was a weird choice," Slot remarked post-match. The manager's cold assessment was echoed by Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane, who labeled the move as "disrespectful." Hourihane argued that such a lax play wouldn't have been attempted in a Premier League fixture, suggesting a lack of professionalism against lower-tier opposition.

Substitutes Clinch Victory for the Reds

With the game sitting at a tense 2-1, Slot introduced heavyweights Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in the 60th minute. The duo combined brilliantly in the final minutes. Wirtz curled a sublime effort for his 3rd goal in five matches, before turning provider for Ekitike in stoppage time to seal the win.