Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley: Chiesa nets first goal in FA Cup rout

Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup after brushing aside League Two outfit Accrington Stanley 4-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

Making just his fifth appearance since joining the Reds from Juventus, Federico Chiesa concluded the scoring in a comfortable triumph for Arne Slot’s much-changed side.

Liverpool broke the deadlock in the sixth minute with a sweeping counter-attack as Darwin Nunez, who had missed two earlier chances, squared the ball for Diogo Jota to finish.

After concerns about his defensive displays, Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his class in attack, crashing an effort in off the post to double the hosts’ lead on the stroke of half-time.

But shortly after the restart, Accrington twice went close to giving their supporters something to celebrate, with Josh Woods striking the crossbar and Donald Love heading wide.

Liverpool, however, made sure of their progression when substitute Jayden Danns tucked the ball home after Billy Crellin’s save from Chiesa fell kindly into his path.

Having threatened since coming on to the pitch, Chiesa got the goal his display merited in the closing stages, firing into the net from the edge of the area.

Data Debrief: Reds respond in style

Liverpool have endured a little bit of a wobble to start 2025 with a draw to Manchester United and defeat to Tottenham in the EFL Cup, but this was a good result for Slot’s side.

Albeit against League Two opposition, the Reds went astutely about their business, registering an expected goals (xG) total of 2.93 from their 22 efforts, while also enjoying 78.7% possession.

Alexander-Arnold’s goal proved decisive in the contest, with the timing of his excellent effort giving Accrington a mountain to climb in the contest.

Of the players to have scored five more goals for Liverpool in all competitions in the Premier League era (since 1992-93), Alexander-Arnold has scored the highest share from outside the box (76% – 16 out of 21).