Dominik Szoboszlai scored a brilliant goal for Liverpool but will cringe at his own moment of madness against Barnsley. The midfielder attempted a reckless backheel in his own box that gifted Adam Phillips a tap-in. Manager Arne Slot called the decision "weird," while Barnsley's Conor Hourihane branded it "disrespectful" in the FA Cup tie.

The error proved inconsequential as Liverpool secured an 11th straight unbeaten game, but it dominated post-match discussion. Hourihane insisted Szoboszlai would never attempt such flair against top-tier opposition, suggesting a lack of respect for lower-league opponents. The midfielder later apologized, admitting he made things difficult for his team with an uncharacteristic mistake.

Barnsley also felt aggrieved by a second-half penalty snub when Reyes Cleary went down under Szoboszlai's challenge. Without VAR in the early rounds, the referee's on-field decision stood. Despite the controversy, Liverpool's depth shone through as late substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combined to seal the victory.