Liverpool cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
Goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns, and a debut strike 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 build-up.
However, the hosts quickly settled into their rhythm. Early chances came Liverpool’s way, including an effort from Alexander-Arnold that was saved by Accrington goalkeeper Toby Crellin, followed by a wayward rebound from Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool’s breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute. A swift counterattack saw Alexander-Arnold release Nunez down the right.
The Uruguayan’s low cross found Jota in the six-yard box, and the Portuguese forward made no mistake, tapping 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 in the #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 to scoring early on, hitting the side netting from a tight angle.
Accrington, to their credit, showed resilience and had their best spell shortly after half-time. Josh Woods rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike, and Sean Whalley tested Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a long-range effort.
Liverpool regained control and added a third goal in the 76th minute. Jayden Danns, another of the club’s young prospects, capitalised on a rebound after Chiesa’s initial effort was saved by Crellin.
Chiesa, who had been lively throughout his second-half appearance, capped off 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 in from the edge of the box.
Despite the scoreline, Accrington had moments to be proud of. Players like Whalley and Woods showed flashes of quality, but the visitors ultimately lacked the firepower to seriously test the Premier League leaders.
