Liverpool overcame a careless error from Dominik Szoboszlai to beat Barnsley 4-1 in the FA Cup on Monday evening, but the Hungarian's moment of madness drew sharp criticism from the visiting manager.
Szoboszlai had opened the scoring with a spectacular 35-yard strike and Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead, but the midfielder then inexplicably attempted a backheel pass to his goalkeeper in his own penalty area. The error allowed former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips to score in front of the Kop and halve the deficit just before half-time.
Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane said the backheel was disrespectful. “It was a little bit disrespectful from their player, to be honest. I don’t think he does that against Chelsea or Arsenal or in a Champions League game,” he said. Hourihane added that he was “delighted for Adam” but criticised Szoboszlai’s choice.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking before Hourihane, declined to air his views publicly but admitted the error was costly. “I have my opinion that I will definitely share with him,” he said. “It is not the first time we are 2-0 up and concede a sloppy goal, but this stands out even for us.”
Barnsley’s hope of an equaliser was ended in the 84th minute by Florian Wirtz, with Hugo Ekitike adding a fourth in stoppage time. Victory extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 11 matches and set up a fourth-round home tie with Brighton.
