What Liverpool bench did after Federico Chiesa goal as Accrington chairman responds to 'total class'
Arne Slot will have been most pleased with Liverpool’s routine victory over Accrington Stanley on Saturday. The Reds ran out 4-0 winners to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Facing League Two opposition, the Dutchman was able to name a much-changed side as he handed minutes to his lesser-used players and some of the club’s talented youngsters. Despite the changes, he was rewarded with a convincing win and a number of eye-catching performances.
As goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa wrapped up the win at Anfield, the ECHO takes a look at some of the moments that might have gone under the radar…
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Harvey helps with Ngumoha nerves
Harvey Elliott might only be 21 years old, but now in his sixth year with Liverpool and boasting 129 appearances under his belt, he is still one of the Reds more experienced players.
And having left London to join Liverpool as a teenager himself, he was well-placed to know how 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha might have been feeling ahead of making his Reds debut against Accrington.
The former Chelsea forward became the youngest player to ever start for Liverpool in this FA Cup third round tie, and certainly caught the eye with his quick feet and dribbling abilities.
Ahead of kick-off, Elliott was spotted with his arm around the youngster, offering him some final words of wisdom. Captain for the day Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai would also offer their own pointers to Ngumoha before proceedings got underway.
Trent’s classy gestures - but future silence goes on
No sooner had Alexander-Arnold doubled Liverpool’s lead with a stunning 25-year-strike, Anfield broke into a rendition of ‘The Scouser in our Team’. While the subject of groans against Manchester United six days prior, the Reds vice-captain was definitely feeling the love against Accrington Stanley.
He received a standing ovation when leaving the pitch on the hour-mark, applauding all four corners of the stadium when he went off and was particularly classy towards the visitors after the final whistle.
He sought out Accrington boss John Doolan, who had coached him at the academy as a youngster, to inform him that he did indeed remember him before swapping shirts with former Liverpool youngster Liam Coyle.
However, he was again in no mood to talk to the media after the final whistle. Spotting reporters talking to Wataru Endo in the mixed zone, Alexander-Arnold put his hood up as he used the opportunity to walk through without facing requests asking for an update on his future. You win this round, Trent!
Slot handed injury boost
Elliott took a heavy whack during the second half Liverpool’s victory over Accrington as he was limping heavily after getting back to his feet. With the Reds already in the process of making a double substitution, it had looked like the midfielder’s afternoon would be cut short.
But Arne Slot could be spotted asking, ‘Is he good, yeah?’ before offering a thumbs up as he had it confirmed that Elliott could continue and he would not to make a late tweak to his substitutions.
Mac Allister throws in the towel
Federico Chiesa earned the loudest cheers of the day as he wrapped up the scoring with his first goal for Liverpool, prompting jubilant celebrations on the touchline from Slot and his coaching staff.
Behind them, the Italian’s Reds team-mates on the bench were just as happy. A very wrapped up, clearly very cold Alexis Mac Allister could be seen turning to Luis Diaz as he threw a towel over the Colombian’s head before applauding the goalscorer. Each to their own.
‘We lost 4-0!’
Accrington chairman Andy Holt certainly enjoyed his day out at Anfield. He had his picture taken with Liverpool legends Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, and would later be presented with a Reds shirt from the latter.
He would later pay tribute to Liverpool for their hospitality, as he shared his pride at the performance of both Accrington and their supporters.
However, he would joke that he took issue with manager Doolan’s decision to give his side the day off following the loss.
“‘What do you mean you’ve given the lads Monday off? We lost 4-0!’” he joked on social media after sharing a conversation with the Stanley boss. “LFC were total class. As is Arne Slot. Literally could not have treated us any better.”