This FA Cup tie was won by half-time via a quite stunning strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold. With Diogo Jota having earlier put Liverpool ahead, Trent’s strike just before the interval took the wind from Accrington’s sails, and a final score line of 4-0 was perhaps a little harsh on the visitors.
It took until the half hour, when Liverpool’s clear superiority led to a goal. A rapid counter-attack, following an Accrington free kick, gave Jota a tap in, courtesy of a square pass from Darwin Nunez. Prior to the opening goal, Accrington had competed well, kept their shape and frustrated a much-changed Liverpool side; no small achievement, from a team brimming with Liverpool fans.
With no Virgil Van Djik, Andy Robertson, Mo Salah, Curtis Jones, or Alisson Becker, Liverpool were never going to be free-flowing from minute one. Tyler Morton and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha were amongst the starters, but ultimately Arne Slot’s tots delivered with Jayden Danns, a late substitution, scoring his third for the club, all in the FA Cup. Ultimately, most pleasing for fans and Slot might prove to be Federico Chiesa. A second-half starter, who having hit the post, got his goal via the inside of the opposite post as the 90th minute approached.
So Liverpool are in the FA Cup 4th round, despatching an Accrington Stanley side, who at no point were embarrassed and did themselves proud. Their players milked every last moment as they reluctantly left the Anfield pitch with their heads held high.
Slot rested those who he’ll need in the weeks ahead and may well have come to a conclusion about Nunez. The Uruguayan again endured a less than impressive performance and, once again, missed a glorious opportunity to score. An effort in the first half from inside the penalty box flew high over the bar when he should have at least hit the target.
