Chiesa Scores as Liverpool Defeat Accrington Stanley | OneFootball

Liverpool Ease Past Accrington Stanley to Secure FA Cup Progression

Liverpool safely booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley at Anfield. Following their narrow midweek Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham, Jürgen Klopp’s side bounced back in emphatic fashion, displaying quality and composure against the League Two outfit.

Jota Breaks Stubborn Resistance

Accrington Stanley approached the game with a determined defensive setup, frustrating Liverpool for much of the opening half-hour. However, it was Diogo Jota who eventually broke the deadlock. The Portuguese forward found himself in the right place to tap in Darwin Nunez’s precise square ball, giving the Premier League leaders a deserved lead.

Liverpool continued to dominate possession after their opener, pushing Accrington back into their own half. Despite their opponents’ resistance, Klopp’s men created several chances, and just before half-time, they struck again.

Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates scoring the first goal to make the score 1-0 Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Emirates FA Cup, Third Round, Football, Anfield, Liverpool, UK – 11 Jan 2025 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xPaulxGreenwood/Shutterstockx 15093714s

Alexander-Arnold’s Spectacular Strike

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has made a habit of scoring stunning goals, delivered another moment of brilliance on the stroke of half-time. The right-back unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the penalty area, leaving goalkeeper Billy Crellin with no chance as the ball soared into the top corner.

Alexander-Arnold’s goal provided Liverpool with a vital cushion heading into the break, and the Anfield crowd erupted in appreciation for the England international’s moment of magic. “It was a fantastic goal,” Klopp admitted post-match, highlighting the significance of Alexander-Arnold’s contribution.

Accrington’s Spirited Second Half

Despite trailing by two goals, Accrington Stanley showed admirable fight after the interval. They came close to pulling one back when Josh Woods, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort. Moments later, former Manchester United defender Donald Love missed a golden opportunity, heading over from close range.

Liverpool weathered Accrington’s brief spell of pressure before extending their lead. Substitute Federico Chiesa, who came on at half-time, played a key role in the third goal. His initial shot was parried by Crellin, but Jayden Danns reacted quickest to slot home the rebound, making it 3-0.

Chiesa Completes the Rout

Federico Chiesa capped a lively cameo by scoring Liverpool’s fourth goal. The Italian international, who joined the club from Juventus last summer, struck a low drive from outside the box, leaving Crellin rooted to the spot. Earlier, he had come agonisingly close to scoring when his effort cannoned off the post.

Chiesa’s goal added gloss to an already impressive Liverpool performance. With this win, Klopp’s side now turn their attention to the fourth-round draw, which takes place following Sunday’s high-profile clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Liverpool fans will be encouraged by the team’s response after their midweek setback, with key players such as Alexander-Arnold and Jota stepping up when it mattered most.