Talking points from Liverpool game

For 84 minutes, Barnsley were more than in the game against the Premier League champions. The Reds put in a real shift in which they were disciplined defensively, a threat on the break and battling hard in duels. It seemed like a completely different defence to what has only kept two clean sheets in League One this season. Yes, the scoreline was 4-1 but I think anyone would agree that it flatters Liverpool and doesn’t quite tell the full story. Liverpool started with a strong side, and it got even stronger once Liverpool boss Arne Slot looked to bring on more quality from the bench to make sure the job got done, however Barnsley managed to stay in the game and even got a goal thanks to a Phillips goal and an ultimately bizarre Dominik Szoboszlai error in which the Hungarian attempted a backheel inside his own box but it went disastrously wrong and fell to the thankful Adam Phillips to tuck away. At the end of the game, the 6000 Barnsley fans who made the trip to Merseyside left proud knowing their team had given everything, and the players were deservedly clapped off. Conor Hourihane was also full of praise for his side and said: “I'm really, really proud. I thought the lads were outstanding to stick in the game until the very, very end. Liverpool had to bring on every superstar that they had on the bench to make sure that they got over the line.” 

2) Adam Phillips gets dream Anfield return 

Barnsley’s Adam Phillips spent eight years in Liverpool’s academy but was released in 2017 following a series of injury problems. He never made a first-team appearance at Anfield but considering he is a lifelong Liverpool fan you'd imagine he's had many dreams of scoring in front of The Kop. He achieved that dream on Monday night. The midfielder was probably the happiest man inside Anfield when he tucked the ball away from close range and it was a goal that also got Barnsley back in the game before half-time. However, the goal would also cause some irritation to Conor Hourihane post-match. The Reds head coach said: “I was a little bit disappointed with their player if I'm honest. I thought it was a bit disrespectful. I don't think he does that against Chelsea. I don't think he does that against Arsenal. I don't think he does that in the Champions league game.” Ultimately, it was a bizarre goal but one that will stay with Adam Phillips for a lifetime. 

3) Hourihane shows flexibility with a back 5. 

One of the most interesting things pre-match was wondering how Conor Hourihane would set up his side at Anfield. As Liverpool boss Arne Slot correctly noted post-match, Barnsley have played the same formation pretty much all season. With Corey O’Keefee returning to the starting XI, it looked like it may be a 4-2-3-1 with the returning loanee on the wing. However, Hourihane deployed a back 5 and the change in system worked well as it allowed to the Reds to look fairly solid, with the backline bravely blocking shots and making clearances, whilst wingbacks Nathanael Ogbeta and Corey O’Keefee could offer width in possession. It was a needed change as the Reds more than likely would have been overwhelmed in a back 4, and the Reds were also more disciplined defensively than their last two games against Premier League opposition. Liverpool like to keep possession however their build up can be slow at times, which meant Barnsley could sit in a low block and look to close the space and pockets around their box where Liverpool’s attackers could cause damage. Overall, it was great to see Hourihane show flexibility and change his system, something he has not done much this season.  

4) Reyes Cleary announces himself to the world 

Reyes Cleary has deservedly received praise across social media for his great performance at Anfield. However, this level of performance will come as no surprise to Barnsley fans, who have been marvelling in the winger’s excellent displays all season. The 21-year-old looked brave and lively, constantly driving at Jeremie Frimpong when the Reds counter-attacked and he provided a real outlet for the Reds to get up the pitch when they did have the ball. The wonderful display will have gotten more eyes on the Barnsley star who will no doubt have suitors, and surely the Reds must demand a high fee if they are to let Cleary leave. Whatever the future holds for the youngster, no doubt he is destined for greatness. 

5) Liverpool subs change the game 

It was a sight to behold when Ibrahima Konate, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike entered the pitch on the hour mark. However, that triple substitution was also a compliment to Barnsley, as Liverpool had to bring on their best players to get them over the line. Ryan Gravenberch also entered the field not too long after, and it looked like a pretty much full-strength Liverpool side towards the end of the contest. The substitutions would prove the difference in the tie, as Ekitike and Wirtz would link up nicely to extend Liverpool’s lead. This was ultimately Arne Slot’s trump card, as he could bring on upwards of £200 million pounds worth of quality if the game was tight, which it was on 60 minutes. Meanwhile, three of four Barnsley substitutes were signed on free transfers. The end of the match was always going to be extremely tough for the Reds, as they had to work so hard out-of-possession that they understandably tired, and this allowed Liverpool to get their third and fourth goals.  

6) Can Barnsley use the performance as a platform to build? 

The performance was a great display from Barnsley, and overall, one that they can be very proud of. However, they need to build on it and use it as fuel to turn around an underwhelming League One campaign in which the Reds sit 17th. If they can show defensive resilience like that more often, they will keep more clean sheets, pick up more points and climb the table. The play-offs aren’t out of reach for Barnsley, with the multiple games in hand they hold over many other teams, and how congested the table is. The brave Anfield display could be a catalyst for a mid-season upturn in-form, and the Reds have a chance to start the upturn on Saturday against Blackpool.