Dominik Szoboszlai was the focus of attention at both ends of the pitch as Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over Barnsley on Monday night.
The Reds midfielder had opened the scoring at Anfield with a brilliant 35-yard strike before Jeremie Frimpong’s fine effort doubled the lead 10 minutes before the break.
But the League One visitors were handed an unlikely lifeline after an astonishing error from the Hungary captain.
A simple clearance seemed to be the easiest option for Szoboszlai after he won possession ahead of Barnsley striker Adam Phillips inside his own six-yard box.
The 25-year-old instead attempted a backheel to Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili which went horribly wrong and left former Reds academy starlet Adam Phillips with the easiest of tap-ins in front of the Kop.
The home side ultimately cruised to victory with late goals from substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, but it was Szoboszlai’s howler that was the main topic of conversation after the game – and both managers were unimpressed.
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Szoboszlai’s error ‘weird’ and ‘disrespectful’
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot told reporters: “I don’t think you should do that in an FA Cup or League Cup game, a friendly game or even a training session.
“It’s a weird choice and I have my opinion about it but I prefer to keep that to myself and speak about that with Dom.”
Tykes boss Conor Hourihane, meanwhile, while delighted for goalscorer Phillips, accused Szoboslai of a lack of respect for his players.
He said: “It is such an amazing feeling for Adam scoring in front of the Kop. Liverpool fan, coming through the academy.
“But 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.
“Delighted for Adam, but disrespectful from their player’s point of view.”
Szoboszlai’s night could have been even worse after he was lucky not to concede a second-half penalty after tangling with Reyes Cleary – an incident that would surely have been looked at by VAR, had it been available.
Reflecting on his error, he told TNT Sports: “I’m sorry for the team again. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake I would say. But football moves on and we take the next round.”
Brighton next for Liverpool
Liverpool’s reward for their victory is a fourth-round tie at home to Brighton.
Elsewhere, giant-killers Macclesfield, who produced perhaps the greatest upset in the tournament’s history when they beat holders Crystal Palace, will host Brentford.
Other highlights of the draw include a return to former club Hull for new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, while Wigan Athletic will travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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SportJustSport writers