Liverpool Cruise into FA Cup Fourth Round with Dominant 4-0 Win

AFP | London
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Liverpool sailed into the FA Cup fourth round with a commanding 4-0 victory over League Two side Accrington Stanley, thanks to a captain's performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold and goals from Diogo Jota, Jayden Danns, and Federico Chiesa.

Alexander-Arnold Shines as Captain

With Virgil van Dijk absent, Alexander-Arnold led the team as captain and delivered a masterclass. The England international silenced critics of his recent performance against Manchester United with a sensational long-range strike into the top corner, doubling Liverpool’s lead after Jota opened the scoring.

“It was important to bounce back after the last game, and we did that,” said Alexander-Arnold.

Goals Galore at Anfield

Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, made eight changes following their midweek League Cup loss to Tottenham. Despite the rotation, the Premier League leaders showcased their class against a spirited Accrington Stanley, who approached the match as their "Champions League final."

The visitors held firm for nearly 30 minutes before Jota tapped in Darwin Núñez's low cross to break the deadlock. Alexander-Arnold's spectacular strike followed, setting the tone for a dominant display.

Substitute Jayden Danns, making just his second appearance this season, added the third with a composed finish. Federico Chiesa capped the scoring with his first goal for Liverpool—a powerful long-range effort that found the net off the far post.

“It’s been a tough start for me with injuries, but it feels great to contribute,” Chiesa said after the match.

Accrington’s Pride Despite Defeat

Accrington forward Josh Woods, a self-confessed Liverpool fan, reflected on the challenge of facing the Reds. “They’re world-class players, and on the counter, it’s almost impossible to stop them. It was surreal to share the pitch with them.”

Next Steps

Liverpool now advance to the FA Cup fourth round, maintaining their momentum in domestic competitions. Manager Arne Slot praised his team’s professionalism, saying, “We showed respect to the competition and our opponents, and I’m happy with the performance.”

As the Reds push forward in their quest for silverware, fans will hope for more standout moments like Alexander-Arnold’s captain’s display.