Andy Robertson discusses Dominik Szoboszlai’s error in the FA Cup win over Barnsley, which ultimately did not prove costly as Liverpool progressed
Adam Phillips celebrates his goal for Barnsley after capitalising on a dreadful error from Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai (Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Andy Robertson has revealed Dominik Szoboszlai apologised to his Liverpool team-mates after his “unacceptable” error drew criticism following the 4-1 FA Cup win over Barnsley. Szoboszlai’s stunning strike – the 100th goal of his career – gave Arne Slot’s side the lead against the Tykes before Jeremie Frimpong struck to double the advantage at Anfield.
However, the Hungary captain was guilty of over-playing later in the half, attempting a back-heel inside his own penalty area that he got wrong, which allowed Reds fan and former academy prospect Adam Phillips the simple chance to score at the Kop end.
That goal gave Barnsley renewed belief after the break before late strikes from substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike sealed Liverpool passage’s through to the fourth round, where they will host Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Szoboszlai was branded “disrespectful” for his showboating by visiting boss Conor Hourihane while Slot also explained how he would speak to his No.8 about the issue.
And Robertson said: “I think we all said something at the time, but he realised and apologised at half-time. If anyone’s performances can’t get criticised this season, it’s Dom’s.
“He’s been 100% every game this season and has this lapse of concentration, which isn’t great. We can’t really afford that in the so-called bigger games.
“That’s the most frustrating thing (the mistake allowed Barnsley back into the game). This season, we’ve let teams in far too many times. From the opening game of the season, we’ve done it and we’ve been punished at times, in terms of losing or drawing games.
“At 2-0, we started looking in control so for that to happen, then questions get asked. It’s safe to say it was an individual error, but we then limited their chances, which is good. Then it was just about getting the third and fourth.
“We had quality off the bench and they delivered. These games are about getting through. We’ve seen a couple of Premier League teams going out against lesser opposition and thankfully, it wasn’t us.
“Was it a gift for Barnsley? That’s putting it nicely. The frustrating thing is Dom does this unbelievable 60-yard sprint to start with. He’s getting the clap off the Kop and I don’t know if that maybe went to his head!
“We can joke about it now but it’s unacceptable to lose a goal like that. Dom obviously knows that. He’s been magnificent for us this season and he was again really good. He just had a lapse of concentration, and we can’t afford too many of them in the six-yard box.”
Robertson added: “I don’t think Gio (Mamardashvili) was too happy. He wants to keep a clean sheet, the defence wants to keep a clean sheet as well, so it wasn’t great. It gave them a way back in and it was 2-1 for a long time. It made it a bit nervy but we got there in the end.
“We’ve done better over the last couple of weeks. We’ve looked a bit more secure defensively, which is pleasing, but now we need to put it all together because people are saying we’re lacking an attacking threat.
“We need to now get both because at the start of the season, we were really good going forward but probably a little bit too open at the back. Now we’ve kind of reversed it.
“If you want to win trophies and go further in tournaments, you have to get the perfect balance and that’s what we’re working towards.
“Some of the performances still have to be better. Within that, we’ve got the draws against Leeds, Sunderland – games you’re expected to win. But within that too, there’s the draw at Arsenal, a win at the San Siro and things like that.
“Going 11 unbeaten is good. We’ve stopped the bad form, but we need to still lift the levels of performance. Everyone knows that and that’s what we’re working towards.
“I don’t think the performance was overly great. We showed moments of really good individual quality, but we’ve got to play a lot better than that if we want to go further in this competition.
“I thought Barnsley were good, played with confidence, had a clear idea and caused us a couple of problems, which is never great, but I suppose that’s the beauty of the cup and what people want to see back at home.
“It’s just not what we want to see and unfortunately we saw a little bit too much of it but happy we’re in the next round.”
Liverpool will entertain Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.
