The Reds reach the fourth round of the FA Cup
Liverpool moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over second division side Accrington Stanley.
Goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and a debut goal from Federico Chiesa secured a comfortable win for the Premier League leaders.
In the game, Accrington showed a commendable willingness to press high and disrupt Liverpool’s build-up play.
However, the hosts quickly found their rhythm. Liverpool had early chances, including an effort from Alexander-Arnold that was saved by Accrington goalkeeper Toby Crellin, followed by a wayward rebound from Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool achieved their breakthrough in the 29th minute. During a quick counterattack, Alexander-Arnold released Nunez on the right.
The Uruguayan’s low cross found Jota in the six-yard box and the Portuguese striker made no mistake and shot the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
Just before halftime they doubled their lead. Szoboszlai passed the ball to Alexander-Arnold on the edge of the box and the England international produced a moment of brilliance, firing a spectacular shot into the top corner.
Victory in #EmiratesFACup third round 🙌 #LIVACC pic.twitter.com/hMHW5I6cgX
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 11, 2025
There were changes on both sides in the second half, including Chiesa being substituted for Liverpool.
The Italian immediately brought energy to the attack and almost scored early on when he hit the side netting from a tight angle.
To their credit, Accrington showed resilience and produced their best performance shortly after half-time. Josh Woods hit the crossbar with a powerful shot and Sean Whalley tested Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a long-range effort.
Liverpool regained control and scored their third goal in the 76th minute. Jayden Danns, another of the club’s young prospects, benefited from a rebound after Chiesa’s first attempt was saved by Crellin.
Chiesa, who had been lively in the second half, crowned his performance in the 90th minute.
The 26-year-old striker received a pass from youngster Trey Nyoni, another debutant, and fired a low shot into the goal from the edge of the penalty area.
Despite the result, Accrington had moments to be proud of. Players like Whalley and Woods showed their quality, but the visitors ultimately lacked the firepower to seriously test the Premier League leaders.
