Liverpool Cruise Past Accrington Stanley in FA Cup

Liverpool secured a comfortable 4-0 win over League Two side Accrington Stanley at Anfield to advance to the FA Cup fourth round. The Premier League leaders, who suffered a defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup earlier in the week, broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark when Diogo Jota tapped in Darwin Nunez’s cross.

Trent Alexander-Arnold doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime, firing a powerful shot into the top corner, giving Liverpool a two-goal cushion. Accrington showed resilience in the second half. Josh Woods a Liverpool fan hit the crossbar and former Manchester United defender Donald Love sent a free header over the bar.

However, Liverpool sealed the win when substitute Jayden Danns scored on the rebound after Federico Chiesa’s shot was blocked by Accrington keeper Billy Crellin. Chiesa, who replaced 16-year-old debutant Rio Ngumoha at halftime, capped the scoring with a low drive from distance, marking his first goal for Liverpool after joining from Juventus. The Italian had earlier hit the post with another shot.

Despite facing opposition from much lower down the league pyramid, Liverpool fielded a strong lineup and dominated proceedings. Nunez missed an early chance with a close-range effort. Accrington showed flashes of threat, particularly through Woods’ near miss but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Ngumoha, at just 16 years and 135 days old, became the youngest player to start for Liverpool and delivered a lively performance before Danns replaced him and quickly made an impact with a goal. The win guarantees Liverpool’s place in the fourth-round draw following Sunday’s Arsenal vs. Manchester United tie.