Liverpool:
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s superb strike put Liverpool into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over League Two Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
The England international was named captain in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, who was much-replaced by Arne Slott and was criticized for his display in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United. For example, leadership was.
Slott made eight changes after suffering just their second defeat in charge of the Reds in Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham.
The Dutchman warned Premier League leaders that the trip to Anfield would be Accrington’s “Champions League final”.
Stanley held out for nearly half an hour, 86 league positions behind Liverpool in the 92-team English league system.
Diego Jota was left with the simple task of tapping in Darwin Nunez’s low cross to open the floodgates.
Alexander-Arnold then went on to double the lead with a superb strike from outside the box into the top corner.
Jayden Danns made the most of his second appearance of the season to fire in the third 14 minutes from time.
Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool career has so far failed to take off due to injury problems.
But the Italian took advantage of some rare game time to score his first goal for the club with a long-range strike at the far post.
“It was unreal,” said Accrington forward and Liverpool fan Josh Woods.
“They are world-class players and hard to stop on the counter.”
Manchester City also later face fourth-tier opposition against Salford City, who are owned by a group of former Manchester United greats.
Investments from David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt have helped Salford rise through the non-league ranks since their involvement in 2014.
Chelsea host League Two’s Morecambe in another David against Goliath tie.
Another celebrity co-owner in English football’s lower leagues is already in round four as NFL legend Tom Brady’s Birmingham beat Lincoln 2-1.
Wolves’ bright start under new boss Vitor Pereira continued as Ryan Et Nori and Rodrigo Gomes earned a 2-1 win at Bristol City.
Blackburn won the All-Championship clash 1-0 at Middlesbrough thanks to Andy Weyman’s winner. AFP