Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his worth to Liverpool by scoring a stunning goal as the Reds reached the fourth round of the FA Cup with a routine 4-0 win over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The Liverpool defender, who was sidelined again in midweek after being benched for the Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Tottenham, curled a glorious shot into the top corner to put Liverpool ahead on the stroke of half-time. 2-0 lead.
“He didn't have his best game against Manchester United and everyone fell all over him – or so it seems,” Liverpool boss Arne Slot said after the match.
“But he has been so good for us for the rest of the season. So I really liked his performance and the performance when he came on 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.
That was desperately needed for Liverpool, after Arne Slot's team had played two games without a win in the past six days. It was even more encouraging as Mohamed Salah was given a day off from Slot – and a youthful squad was no better summed up by 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha becoming Liverpool's second-youngest ever player after being handed a starting spot.
Accrington could easily have gotten back into the game when Josh Woods' long-range effort blazed off the crossbar, before Stanley defender Donald Love missed the best chance of the game by nodding over from a few yards out.
But Liverpool showed more of a clinical lead as they secured a third place finish with less than 15 minutes to go. Substitute Jayden Danns won the ball and played substitute Federico Chiesa through on goal during half-time.
Chiesa was denied for the third time in the second half by Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin, on loan from Everton, but the rebound fell back to Danns, who crashed home as the Liverpool players lined up.
Chiesa thought it would be a frustrating afternoon as the post denied him a goal, but that finally happened as he collected Trey Nyoni's pass before slotting in an effort on the stroke of stoppage time. It was an easy task for Liverpool, who progressed to the fourth round of the fourth round on Sunday afternoon.
Conclusion: You understand why we think Nguhoma is a talent
Liverpool manager Arne Slot in conversation with ITV Sport:
“Thanks to Accrington, they showed their style of play today which is a big achievement.
“They were not afraid, they played the same style as they always play with high pressure, they were also not afraid to go one-on-one. A big compliment for 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 is a talent. He is very good in one-on-one situations and can change direction very quickly.
“We saw it a little more in the first half than in the second half. It was nice for him to make his debut and get the win, he had some very good actions that the fans also responded to. A beautiful and special day for him.”
Analysis: Finally, Trent sends a message via teenager Ngumoha
Sam Blitz from Sky Sports:
Alexander-Arnold stood with his arms up in front of the Liverpool fans and took in the cheers. It begged the question: why would the Liverpool defender ever want to leave?
His shot into the top corner showed what a great talent he is. He led the match, albeit against a weakened opponent, but being a class above the rest showed how rare a talent he is.
Arne Slot knows it, and he sent Alexander-Arnold – in 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 of his own personal ambition to win the Ballon d'Or – a goal that Alexander-Arnold revealed was on his bucket list.
“He's at a club where players can win the Ballon d'Or. Let's wait and see, but it's way too early to talk about that!” Slot said before the match.
Ngumoha took advantage of the freedom afforded him – scoring more one-on-ones than anyone and freeing up space for Kostas Tsimikas to create four chances – most of them coming in the opening 45 minutes.
Turned inside out and adored by the home crowd, Alexander-Arnold must remember the freedom and love he has at Liverpool before making a career-defining decision.
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