Player ratings as the Reds secure a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup

Liverpool secured passage to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon by beating Accrington Stanley 4-0 at Anfield.

The League Two side knew they needed a miracle to secure a historic turnaround and defended stoically in the opening stages. Liverpool created the odd chance – Darwin Nunez headed over the bar after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s probing drive – but Accrington held firm early in the proceedings.

However, their resolve was broken just before the half-hour mark when Liverpool were given the chance to mount their first counter-attack of the afternoon. The Reds quickly broke through from an Accrington free-kick and Diogo Jota converted from close range after Darwin Nunez’s accurate low cross.

It seemed only a matter of time before the hosts doubled their advantage, and two goals ensured the difference before half-time. Alexander-Arnold had already forced William Crellin into action, but the Accrington keeper was helpless on this occasion as the Liverpool right-back smashed into the top corner from 20 yards. It was a powerful reminder of his quality of discipleship a difficult week.

Accrington decided to take a riskier approach after the restart, committing bodies higher up the pitch as they looked to reduce the deficit. Their more attacking look reaped rewards almost immediately, with Josh Woods hitting the crossbar in the 56th minute after an impressive corner routine.

Liverpool’s growing complacency almost proved costly as they were caught napping from another corner, but the former Manchester United Defender Donald Love, who scored an own goal at Anfield in the 2020 FA Cup with Shrewsbury, inexplicably headed over the crossbar from six yards with the goal open.

Just as Accrington threatened to give the hosts a nervy finish, Liverpool grabbed third place. 18-year-old Jayden Danns, who already has two FA Cup goals, only came on in the 72nd minute but got on the scoresheet four minutes later, converting a rebound after Federico Chiesa’s shot was deflected by Crellin.

Liverpool half-heartedly pushed for a fourth late on and substitute Chiesa’s tenacity was rewarded as he scored his first goal for the club. After hitting the post two minutes earlier, the energetic Italian curled a precise low shot from outside the penalty area to add some sparkle to the scoreline.

Unfortunately for Accrington, their spirited play did not culminate in a consolation goal and Liverpool held firm to keep a clean sheet during their first win of the calendar year as they reached the fourth round of the FA Cup.

*Ratings are provided by FotMob*

Substitutes not used: Vitezslav Jaros (GK), Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz.

Player of the match – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

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