Liverpool got the result everyone expected as Federico Chiesa scored the first goal to secure a 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley.
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
FA Cup 3rd round | anfield
January 11, 2025
target
Hota 29′ (Assist – Nunez)
Alexander-Arnold 45′ (Assist – Szoboszlai)
dance 76′
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Having made eight changes to the starting line-up, Arne Slot also opted for a system change. They opted for a 3-5-2 possession, with Trent Alexander-Arnold playing as an inverted right-back and Diogo Jota and Dominik Szoboszlai as the two No.10s. .
Alexander-Arnold had the best chance of the opening stage when his low effort was saved by goalkeeper Billy Crellin and Darwin Nunez almost predictably gave up the follow-up when he should have scored.
Liverpool applied pressure whenever possible, but Accrington rarely took the bait, but had little choice when it came to attacking free-kicks and ended up scoring on a counter.
After the visitor attempted to deliver a set piece into the box. Diogo Jota A great, quick pass from Alexander-Arnold allowed Nunez to get through the box to intercept a simple ball and tap in.
Alexander-Arnold It was a reminder of his unique qualities and the power Liverpool had to level the score with two goals before the break. He produced a stunning effort from distance, giving Crellin no chance at the far post.
HT: Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
Federico Chiesa came on in place of Dominik Szoboszlai at the break in a pre-planned change following the midfielder’s illness, and the Italian came close to scoring a third in his first intervention.
Accrington certainly had their chances, with Josh Woods crashing the crossbar and Donald Love failing to find the back of the net with a close-range header from a fine, teasing cross.
Chiesa were clearly desperate to score and had a golden opportunity to do so after a superb performance from their substitute. jayden danceBut eventually the winger’s shot was blocked into Danns’ path for another FA Cup goal.
church Jota almost scored a goal after a clever effort, with his left-footed shot missing the goal, but he eventually found another goal and fired a long-distance strike, which this time landed in the net.
It was ultimately a comfortable win for Liverpool, with Slott managing his squad effectively on Tuesday night, resting key players and securing a place in Sunday’s fourth-round draw.
TIA Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold
judgment: Lewis Smith
Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold (Bradley 60′), Quansah, Endo (Nyoni 79′), Tsimikas; Morton (McConnell 60′), Szoboszlai (Chiesa 45′), Jota; Elliot, Ngumoha (Danns 72′), Nunez
Subs not used: Jaros, Robertson, Mac Allister, Diaz.
Accrington Stanley: crealin; Love, Awe, Lawson, B. Woods; Khumbeni (Coyle 46′), Martin (Conneely 46′); J.Woods (O’Brien 46′), Hunter, (Henderson 46′) Whalley; Walton
Subs not used: Kelly, Aljoffrey, Batty, Knowles, Mooney.
Next match: Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League – Tuesday 14 January, 8pm (GMT)
