Trent Alexander-Arnold showcased his value for Liverpool by scoring a stunning goal as the Reds cruised into the FA Cup fourth round via a routine 4-0 win over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The Liverpool defender, reinstated to the side after being benched for the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Tottenham in midweek, curled a glorious effort into the top corner to put Liverpool 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time.
“He did not have his best game against Manchester United and everybody fell over him – at least it seems like that” said Liverpool boss Arne Slot after the game.
“But for the rest of the season, he’s been so good for us. So I liked his performance a lot and the performance when he came in against Tottenham. And I liked the reaction of the fans at Tottenham and today as well.”
Earlier in the first half, Diogo Jota had given Liverpool a deserved lead on the counter-attack just as Accrington were starting to find their feet in the game, albeit without testing Caoimhin Kelleher between the sticks.
It was much-needed for Liverpool after Arne Slot’s side had gone two games without a win over the previous six days. It was even more encouraging given Mohamed Salah was given the day off by Slot – and a youthful team was no better summarised by 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha becoming Liverpool’s second-youngest-ever player after being handed a start.
Rio Ngumoha started to become the second-youngest player in Liverpool’s history (16 years, 135 days)
Accrington could have easily found themselves back in the contest as Josh Woods’ long-range effort cannoned off the bar, before Stanley defender Donald Love missed the game’s best chance by nodding over from a few yards out.
But Liverpool showed more of a clinical edge as they got a third with just under 15 minutes to go. Substitute striker Jayden Danns won the ball and played half-time substitute Federico Chiesa through on goal.
Chiesa was denied by Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin, on loan from Everton, for the third time in the second half – but the rebound fell back to Danns who crashed home with the Liverpool players queuing up.
Jayden Danns celebrates after scoring Liverpool’s third goal
Chiesa thought it was going to be a frustrating afternoon as the post denied him a goal – but it eventually came as he picked up Trey Nyoni’s pass before crashing an effort in on the stroke of stoppage-time. It was easy street for Liverpool, who cruised into Sunday afternoon’s fourth-round draw.
Slot: You can see why we think Nguhoma is a talent
Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaking to ITV Sport:
“Credit to Accrington, they showed their style of play today which is a big accomplishment.
“They were not afraid, played the same style as they always play with a high press, they were not afraid to go one-vs-one as well. A big compliment to them and in the end, the difference in quality makes a big difference for us.
“Ngumoha did well. There were a few moments where the fans could see why we think he’s a talent. He’s really good in one-vs-one situations and can change direction really fast.
“We saw it a bit more in the first half than the second half. It was nice for him to make his debut and get the win, he had a few very good actions where the fans reacted as well. A nice and special day for him.”
Analysis: Slot sends Trent a message through teen Ngumoha
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:
Alexander-Arnold stood in front of the Liverpool fans with his arms aloft, taking in the acclaim. It brought to question, why would the Liverpool defender ever want to leave?
Alexander-Arnold blows kisses to the crowd after his goal
His strike into the top corner showed what big a talent he is. He ran the game, albeit against weakened opposition, but him being a class above the rest showed how rare a talent he is.
Arne Slot knows it, and he sent Alexander-Arnold – into the final six months of his Liverpool deal – a message before kick-off.
The Dutch manager started Ngumoha – Liverpool’s second-youngest-ever player – who just weeks ago spoke about his own personal ambition to win the Ballon d’Or – an aim Alexander-Arnold revealed was on his bucket list.
“He is at a club where players can win the Ballon d’Or. Let’s wait but it’s far too early to talk about that!” said Slot before the game.
Ngumoha benefited from the freedom handed to him – he made more one-on-ones than anyone else and freed up space for Kostas Tsimikas to create four chances – the most from the opening 45 minutes.
Inverting inside and adored by the home crowd, Alexander-Arnold must remember the freedom and love he has at Liverpool, before he makes a career-defining decision.
