Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley LIVE: FA Cup result as Federico Chiesa nets first goal for Reds in big win
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley: Arne Slot’s men progress after a comfortable outing at Anfield
Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The scoreline does not reflect the performance of the visitors who kept Liverpool at bay for almost 30 minutes in the first half before a slick counter-attacking move set up Diogo Jota for a tap-in.
Trent Alexander-Arnold then added a second goal just before the break with a superb strike from the right side of the box that sailed over Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin and landed in the far top corner.
From there the result was guaranteed but Stanley had their moments. Josh Woods struck the crossbar and Donald Love headed over the top.
In the closing stages, Liverpool substitutes Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa got on the scoresheet with the latter netting his first goal for the Reds.
Relive the action from Anfield below:
Trent Alexander-Arnold serenades Anfield with performance of artistry and class
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is likelier to involve Real Madrid than Accrington Stanley. The Bernabeu may prove his new home but he might forever remain a stranger to the Wham Stadium. Accrington could not quite emulate Carlo Ancelotti’s team, losing 4-0 at Anfield, where the Champions League holders went down 2-0, but they got a glimpse of the class that prompted Real to make an approach for Alexander-Arnold last month.
A shot from 20 yards was whipped, bent, measured and caressed, designed to nestle in the top corner of the net. “I could talk for hours about that,” said Arne Slot, “Unbelievable.” And perhaps cruel for Accrington’s manager, John Doolan, who coached Alexander-Arnold when he was six or seven and surprised when the right-back remembered and approached him after the final whistle. “He is such a such a wonderful and humble guy,” he said. “To do that shows the class he has.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold serenades Anfield with performance of artistry and class
Slot on Federico Chiesa’s first goal for Liverpool:
“It is definitely a good first step, but as much as I liked the way Accrington Stanley played we have to take into consideration that we’re talking about League Two level.
“It is good to have him back on the pitch. He was a threat, but let’s not get carried away.”
Slot on Ngumoha and Alexander-Arnold:
“He did well [Rio Ngumoha]. There were a few moments where the fans could see why we think he’s a talent. He is good in one-v-one situations.
“He showed a bit more in the first half than in the second half. It is nice to get your debut and get the win. It is a special day for him.
“Trent didn’t have his best game against Manchester United, but for the rest of the season he has been so good for us - I liked his performance today.
“Our fans have always given him a lot of support. He didn’t play well once, but fans reacted to that. If Trent just plays what we expect from him, then he gets support.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to ITV:
“Credit to them, I think they showed their style of play, which is a big compliment.
“They played the same style as they always play. In the end, of course, the difference in quality makes a big difference for us, but compliments to them with how they showed up today.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold takes centre stage as Liverpool brush aside Accrington
Trent Alexander-Arnold led from the front as Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over Accrington.
A week after one of the worst performances of his career against Manchester United, the England international, captain in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, put in a commanding display which was topped with the important second goal.
While the level of opposition had to be taken into account – League Two Stanley are 86 places lower than the Premier League leaders – Alexander-Arnold was determined to ensure there was no upset.
Trent Alexander-Arnold takes centre stage as Liverpool brush aside Accrington
FA Cup results
Here are the results from the earlier matches in the FA Cup today:
Birmingham City 2-1 Lincoln City
Bristol City 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
Liverpool forward Jayden Danns, speaking to ITV:
“I’m delighted to get my goal. I’ve been out for a while, five months. First-team football is a different intensity to any other football.
“I made an impact last season, I am young and there’s a lot more to do and a lot more I can do.
“They offered a lot and first team football is tough and they’re big lads, but it was a good challenge and I think I did well - hopefully more to come.
“The manager put faith in me today and I am grateful for it.”
Accrington’s Shaun Whalley on the game:
“I don’t think we were ourselves in the first half, in the second half we performed a lot better.
“We could have got back into it, Josh hitting the bar, Donald Love should have scored, shouldn’t he, I wanted the assist. But it wasn’t to be.
“It was just an incredible moment for us all, I want it to happen again now!”
Josh Woods on getting to play at Anfield:
“Honestly it was surreal. I was just trying to sum up all the emotions, trying to enjoy it and stay relaxed. The first half I was really nervous, I came out for the second half relaxed. They’re world-class players and on the counter they’re difficult to stop.
”Maybe in another lifetime [his shot would have gone in] I just remember hitting it and thinking please, please, please, then I fell over and never saw it.
“It was just amazing to be out here and I enjoyed every minute!”
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