Jeremie Frimpong scored his first Anfield goal for Liverpool during the FA Cup third round win over Barnsley on Monday evening
Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong(Image: LFC TV)
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Jeremie Frimpong admits he learned from his reluctance to shoot at Arsenal as he expressed "relief" after scoring his first Anfield goal for Liverpool. The right-back, signed from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, notched an impressive solo strike to help the Reds on their way to a 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley on Monday evening.
Frimpong, whose previous Liverpool goal had come on his debut at the Community Shield against Crystal Palace in August, cut inside into the penalty from his right-back position and thrashed a shot into the top corner to put the Reds 2-0 ahead in the first half.
It continued an impressive run of form from the Holland international following his return from injury shortly before Christmas having played a part in three goals in Liverpool's previous five games.
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That figure could have been higher had Frimpong chose to shoot rather than attempt a pass to Florian Wirtzwhen sent clear inside the penalty area during last Thursday's goalless Premier League draw at runaway leaders Arsenal.
And Frimpong admitted: "I got a bit of stick back home after the Arsenal game when they said instead of passing the ball to Flo, I should have shot.
"So I thought this time, 'I'm just going to smash it'. I just wanted to shoot and took the chance.
"This is my first goal at home, it meant a lot to me. I've been injured most of the time at Liverpool so to score this goal was really a relief.
"I just want to help the team and use my ability. I'm just happy to be on the pitch."
Dominik Szoboszlai had an eventful match, thumping home Liverpool's opener from 25 yards but guilty of a dreadful blunder that gifted Barnsley their goal shortly before half-time.
But he received the backing of Frimpong, who said: "Dominik's goal was a banger. He is an amazing player. The first time I played against him was when he was at Leipzig and I could tell he was going to go to a big club. No surprise he's at Liverpool.
"He make a big impact for us, he's everywhere on the pitch and can play any position I think. With his work-rate and attacking and defensive ability, we are just pleased to have him."
Liverpool, who will host Premier League rivals Brighton in the next round, were made to work hard for their victory against Barnsley.
And Frimpong added to LFC TV: "They were a good team. We weren't saying, 'they are League One so we aren't going to try'.
"Everywhere I've been I've won things and that's what I want to do here. That's why I play football - I want to win trophies."