Liverpool saw off Barnsley in the FA Cup as they recorded an ultimately comfortable 4-1 win.
It was not as easy as the score might suggest for the Reds, with a baffling mistake from Dominik Szoboszlai making life difficult at Anfield.
The overall performance was disappointing from Liverpool, and while that owed a lot to the impressive nature of Barnsley’s efforts, it was not good enough from the Reds.
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Thankfully, the substitutions from Arne Slot in the second-half helped Liverpool to improve and get over the line in the final part of the game, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike twice combining to score.
It was especially pleasing to see Ekitike back after missing the last two matches through injury and speaking after the game Slot made sure to praise the Frenchman.
Hugo Ekitike gives Liverpool what they’ve been missing
Without Ekitike Liverpool have been missing a focal point for their attack in recent matches.
Cody Gakpo showed why he is not the answer while playing through the middle once again on Monday, with a wholly ineffectual display at centre-forward.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Barnsley in the FA Cup at Anfield.
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Ekitike showed the difference almost straight away, setting up Wirtz with an exquisite backheeled flick, before scoring himself from close range.
“Hugo was on for half an hour and had a goal and an assist and more good moments,” Slot told TNT Sports post-game.
“He brought something to the team, something creative and that was what we in general need and what we needed today.”
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Ekitike may be Liverpool’s most important player
Having sat through another largely turgid Liverpool performance, it was a relief for supporters to see Ekitike arrive with half an hour left to play.
With Alexander Isak set to be missing for a little while – and Gakpo clearly not the answer – there is a lot riding on Ekitike’s shoulders.
Thankfully, the 23-year-old does not appear to feel that pressure at all. He continues to deliver whenever Liverpool need him.
Given their shortages and lack of form in other areas of the attack, there is an argument that Ekitike is genuinely Liverpool’s most important player right now.
Monday’s performance was another reminder of that as he continued to rack up the goal contributions for Liverpool.
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