Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win against second division side Accrington Stanley.
Goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa’s debut goal secured a comfortable win for the Premier League leaders.
The game saw Accrington show a commendable willingness to press high and disrupt Liverpool’s build-up.
However, the hosts quickly got into their rhythm. Liverpool had the early chances, including Alexander-Arnold’s shot which was saved by Accrington goalkeeper Toby Crellin, followed by Darwin Nunez’s rebound.
Liverpool’s turnaround came in the 29th minute. In a quick counter-attack, Alexander-Arnold sent Nunez out on the right.
The Uruguayan’s low cross found Jota in the penalty area, and the Portuguese striker made no mistake and put the ball into the net for 1-0.
They doubled their lead just before halftime. Szoboszlai laid the ball to Alexander-Arnold on the edge of the penalty area, and the England international produced a moment of brilliance with a spectacular strike into the top corner.
Victory in #EmiratesFACup third round 🙌 #LIVACC pic.twitter.com/hMHW5I6cgX
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 11, 2025
The second half saw changes from both sides, including the introduction of Chiesa for Liverpool.
The Italian immediately injected energy into the attack and came close early on, hitting the side netting from a tight angle.
Accrington, to their credit, showed resilience and played their best game 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 shot.
Liverpool regained control and added a third goal in the 76th minute. Jayden Danns, another young prospect for the club, capitalized on the rebound after Chiesa’s initial effort was saved by Crellin.
Chiesa, who was lively during his second half, ended the performance in the 90th minute.
The 26-year-old striker received a pass from youngster Trey Nyoni, another debutant, and fired low from the edge of the penalty area.
Despite the result, Accrington had moments to be proud of. The likes of Whalley and Woods showed flashes of quality, but the visitors ultimately lacked the firepower to seriously test the Premier League leaders.
