Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
Goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jaden Dance and a debut for Federico Chiesa secured a comfortable win for the Premier League leaders.
The game saw Accrington show a commendable willingness to press high and disrupt Liverpool’s concentration.
However, the hosts quickly settled into their rhythm. Early chances came Liverpool’s way, including Alexander-Arnold’s effort being saved by Accrington keeper Toby Crellin, followed by a strange rebound from Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool’s breakthrough came in the 29th minute. A quick counter-attack saw Alexander-Arnold release Nunez down the right.
The Uruguayan’s low cross found Jota six yards out and the Portuguese forward made no mistake, hitting the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
They doubled their lead just before half time. Szoboszlai laid the ball off to Alexander-Arnold on the edge of the area and the England international produced a moment of brilliance, smashing a spectacular strike into the top corner.
Victory at #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 brought energy to the attack and came close to scoring early on, hitting the side netting from a tight angle.
Accrington, to their credit, showed resilience and were at their best shortly after half-time. Josh Woods rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike and Sean Whalley tested Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a towering effort.
Liverpool regained control and added a third goal in the 76th minute. Jayden Danns, another of the club’s young prospects, capitalized on a rebound after Chiesa’s initial effort was saved by Crellin.
Chiesa, who was lively throughout his second-half performance, wrapped up the performance in the 90th minute.
The 26-year-old forward received a pass from youngster Trey Nyoni, another debutant, and fired a low shot from the edge of the box.
Despite the scoreline, 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.
