Teenager creates history as Liverpool defeat Accrington Stanley to reaches FA Cup Fourth Round

The Reds' FA Cup campaign begins today when they play Accrington, who travel 50 miles from Lancashire to Anfield for the first time in 69 years. With their win over Accrington Stanley at Anfield, Liverpool had a smooth transition into the FA Cup fourth round. Just before the break, Diogo Jota scored from Darwin Nunez's square ball to end the League Two team's tenacious first-half resistance. The Premier League leaders, who lost only their second game of the season in Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Tottenham, did so. 

In a fantastic move just before halftime, Trent Alexander-Arnold increased Liverpool's advantage by putting a hard shot into the top corner from the outside of the penalty area to give the home team some breathing room. Before former Manchester United defender Donald Love sent a free header over the bar from close range, Accrington struck the crossbar via childhood Liverpool supporter Josh Woods in the second half, which was by no means a damage limitation exercise.

Victory in the #EmiratesFACup third round 🙌 #LIVACC pic.twitter.com/hMHW5I6cgX

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 11, 2025

But only minutes after visiting goalkeeper Billy Crellin blocked Federico Chiesa's effort, Jayden Danns, who had just replaced 16-year-old rookie Rio Ngumoha, made it 3-0 on the rebound. Chiesa, a bright presence off the bench at halftime, scored with a low, long-range shot just seconds after hitting the post with another attempt. It was the Italian's first goal for the Anfield team since joining from Juventus in August. Although Stanley had their moments, the outcome was inevitable from then on.

Liverpool manager Slot put up a formidable team that put consistent pressure on their opponents right from the outset, even though they were playing a team that was 86 spots below in the league structure. Liverpool manager Slot put up a formidable team that put consistent pressure on their opponents right from the outset, even though they were playing a team that was 86 spots below in the league structure.

Liverpool waiting for next opponent 

Ngumoha became the second-youngest debutant in Liverpool's history, after Jerome Sinclair, and the youngest, starting at 16 years and 135 days. And after being substituted by 18-year-old Danns, who scored four minutes later, the young attacker, who was a livewire down the Reds' left side, was greeted with a hearty applause from the Anfield crowd.

After Sunday's match between Arsenal and Manchester United is complete, the draw will be made, and Arne Slot's squad will find out who they will play in the fourth round.