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Forgotten man Federico Chiesa emerges from Liverpool shadows to prove his pedigree

chris bascombe
·25-min read
Federico Chiesa celebrates scoring his first Liverpool goal
Federico Chiesa finally scored his first Liverpool goal - Getty Images/Jan Kruger

Welcome to Liverpool, Federico Chiesa. We have been expecting you.

Six months after signing, the Italian finally knows how it feels to celebrate in front of the Kop, his first goal for the club adding gloss to a comfortable win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round.

An assortment of conditioning, acclimatisation, injury and illness mean, prior to his sweet strike on Saturday, the most exciting part of Chiesa’s Anfield career was the video diary broadcast on social media on the day he arrived.

No recent Liverpool recruit has looked so thrilled to join. None with such a pedigree have been so swiftly forgotten as having signed.

Upon his arrival, Liverpool emphasised to those asking the most cynical questions that Chiesa was not joining to replace Mohamed Salah. In retrospect, that clarification has prompted a ‘no s---, Sherlock’ response.

Every time Chiesa has been pencilled in for games – mainly in the Carabao Cup – there have been so many absences it has put one in mind of the last significant Italian signing at Anfield, the lesser-spotted Alberto Aquilani in 2009; he came, he saw, he disappeared without trace.

It would be brutally premature to predict Chiesa will follow that example, but on the eve of the match it looked like he would miss this tie, too, illness meaning he could not train for two days before taking a place on the substitutes’ bench.

He recovered for what he must hope will be the turning point of his season. Not that Arne Slot is in the market for platitudes about welcoming an existing squad player like he is ‘a new signing’.

“Let’s not get carried away,” was the note of caution from Slot, who described the goal as a ‘good first step’ in what may be a longer journey to the Chiesa that Europe remembers.

“If you play for this club you want to score your first goal, especially in front of your fans.

“The best part of being a footballer is playing, doing well and winning, and if you don’t play because the manager makes a different decision or you’re not available, that is always difficult because every player wants to do what he loves most.”

Slot sent Chiesa on against the League Two side at half-time, and after going close to his first goal on several occasions he beat on-loan Everton keeper Billy Crellin from the edge of the penalty just before the end.

All the reports from the AXA training ground suggest this is typical of Chiesa’s fine finishing. What he has lacked so far is the stamina and physical capacity to contribute to the Premier League and Champions League push.

Chiesa would not be the first Liverpool signing of the last few years who needed at least half a season to be match ready and fully understand the manager’s demands with and without the ball. Andy Robertson and Fabinho became legends after barely playing for months under Jurgen Klopp. Ryan Gravenberch was an understudy for the whole of last season.

On the surface, Chiesa’s pace and strength in possession would suggest it is a matter of time, training and games before the class manifests itself more often, although – as Slot insisted – judgement will be reserved until he is trusted against more formidable opponents, and demonstrates the qualities which made him such a stand-out player in the Italian side which won Euro 2020.

Federico Chiesa of Italy celebrates after scoring against Spain at Euro 2020
Liverpool hope the Chiesa of 2020 will eventually reveal himself - Shutterstock/Justin Tallis

For sure, Liverpool needs that version of Chiesa to show up. If he does, the timing could be perfect given the challenges ahead in four competitions.

With Chiesa’s goal, a low-key game was given the last of several highlights which may serve Slot longer-term.

This became the perfect early afternoon for Liverpool as senior players like Virgil van Dijk and Salah were given the day off, and a mix of experience showed there is strength in depth.

Liverpool debuted their youngest-ever starter, 16-year-old left-winger Rio Ngumoha. Alas, for those hoping for a shock that was where the FA Cup magic ended as a home victory was inevitable once Diogo Jota ended Accrington’s resistance after 30 minutes. Snapped up from Chelsea last summer, twinkle-toed teenager Ngumoha regularly demonstrated his dribbling skills.

Liverpool were also buoyed by a goal for Jayden Danns on his return to senior action. The 18-year-old was a breakout star in Liverpool’s cup runs last season, but only returned to training before Christmas due to a back injury. Like Nghumoha, Liverpool have high hopes for the youngster.

Accrington could look upon Josh Woods striking the crossbar and Donald Love wasting a chance to make life uncomfortable for the Premier League leaders in the second half.

That cannot disguise how once Jota tapped in Darwin Nunez’s cross after a lightning Liverpool counter-attack, this match carried all the tension of an open training session.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunner just before half-time effectively guaranteed Liverpool’s place in round four.

Accrington had a grand day out, but, in truth, Liverpool barely had to leave second gear to guarantee a predictable outcome.

02:32 PM GMT

Arne Slot’s verdict

Credit to them – they were not afraid, they played the same style as they always do, with a high press. In the end the difference in quality [was decisive].

[On Rio Ngumoha] He did well. There were a few moments where the fans could see why we think he’s a talent. He had a few very good actions.

Trent didn’t have his best game against United and everyone [piled on] him but for the rest of the season he has been so good for us and I liked his performance today.

02:27 PM GMT

Jayden Danns’ reaction

I’m delighted to get my goal. I’m buzzing to keep scoring after making an impact last season.

[On Rio Ngumoha] Have you seen his feet? He’s lightning, I’m so proud of him and I’m sure his family are too.

They offered a lot – it’s tough, first-team football is a completely different level. They’re big lads! I think I did well and hopefully there’s more to come. I’m really grateful for the opportunity the manager has given me.

Jayden Danns celebrates after putting Liverpool 3-0 up.
Jayden Danns celebrates after putting Liverpool 3-0 up. - Jon Super/AP

02:17 PM GMT

Accrington Stanley reaction

Shaun Whalley

I don’t think we were ourselves in the first half – I thought that might happen with the nerves and the emotion of the occasion. In the second half we performed a lot better and could have got back into it. It was an incredible experience for us all.

Josh Woods

Honestly, it was surreal. I was trying to soak up all the emotions. In the first half I was really nervous but in the second half I was more relaxed.

[On hitting the crossbar] I just remember hitting it and thinking ‘Please, please, please!’ I actually fell over and I didn’t see it hit the bar. It was just amazing to be out here and I enjoyed every minute.

02:08 PM GMT

FT: Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0

Liverpool cruise into the fourth round with a comfortable win over Accrington Stanley. All four goals – scored by Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa – had a touch of class, and there was also an eye-catching debut from the 16-year-old left winger Rio Ngumoha.

Accrington Stanley were outclassed but not embarrassed. They came close to making it 2-1 on a couple of occasions in the second half and enjoyed every minute of the biggest game in the club’s history.

The Accrington Stanley players applaud the away supporters after the game.
The Accrington Stanley players applaud the away supporters after the game. - Phil Noble/Reuters

02:05 PM GMT

90+1 min: Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0

Five minutes of added time.

02:04 PM GMT

Goal!

90 min: Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0 (Chiesa) Federico Chiesa gets his first goal for Liverpool! He’s played really well since coming on at half-time and now he’s been rewarded. It was an excellent goal, a precise right-footed drive from 25 yards that beat the diving Crellin and nestled in the far corner.

02:02 PM GMT

88 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0

At the other end Shaun Whalley, who has been Accrington’s best attacker, cracks a good effort from 25 yards that is too close to Kelleher.

02:01 PM GMT

87 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0

Chiesa hits the post! That was a nice effort after a bit of a scramble in the Accrington Stanley area. He twisted away from Rawson and dragged a low shot that hit the outside of the near post.

01:58 PM GMT

84 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0

The contest is over but Accrington Stanley would love a goal to put in the memory bank. They had a really good spell around the midpoint of the second half but haven’t created much since then.

01:54 PM GMT

80 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0

Danns almost gets his second but he can’t adjust his feet to deal with a fierce cross from Elliott.

01:53 PM GMT

79 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0

A great moment for 18-year-old Jayden Danns. He has missed most of the season with a stress fracture but is highly regarded. Showed Nunez how it is done with that finish.

Jayden Danns finished with aplomb.
Jayden Danns finished with aplomb. - OLI SCARFF/AFP

01:51 PM GMT

78 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0

Substitution for Stanley Kelsey Mooney - son of Tommy, who scored a winner here for Watford in 1999, replaces Tyler Walton.

Liverpool bring on Trey Nyoni for Wataru Endo.

01:50 PM GMT

Goal!

76 min: Liverpool 3 Accrington Stanley 0 (Danns) The substitute Jayden Danns seals victory with a fine goal. He stole the ball in midfield, surged past another player and put Chiesa through on goal. His shot was well saved by the outrushing Crellin but Danns had kept running and swept the ball nonchalantly into the net. That’s a lovely goal, almost all his own work.

01:47 PM GMT

74 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

A long angled pass is collected well on the run by Chiesa. Ben Woods forces him wide and he screws a shot that is turned round the near post by Crellin. Chiesa has looked sharp since coming on at half-time.

01:45 PM GMT

72 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Liverpool substitution Rio Ngumoha is given a generous hand as he leaves the field to be replaced by Jayden Danns. He faded as the game progressed but caught the eye in the first half with his fearless dribbling.

01:42 PM GMT

68 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Liverpool threaten to make it 3-0 on the break. Chiesa turns into space and plays an early ball through to Nunez. Rawson tracks him all the way, stays on his feet and blocks the eventual shot at the expense of a corner. That’s fine defending.

01:40 PM GMT

67 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

This is Stanley’s best spell. Another corner is half cleared to the edge of the area, where the unmarked Henderson completely mishits his shot.

01:39 PM GMT

65 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Great chance for Accrington Stanley! Whalley receives a short corner from Ben Woods on the left and drives a lovely cross to the far post, where Love arrives late but heads over from five yards. Josh Woods may have hit the bar but that was Accrington Stanley’s best chance of the game.

01:36 PM GMT

62 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Double substitution for Stanley Seamus Conneely, the club captain, and Connor O’Brien replace Dan Martin and a beaming Josh Woods. He came so close to scoring at Anfield.

01:34 PM GMT

60 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Double substitution for Liverpool Conor Bradley and James McConnell replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton. Elliott is off the field after receiving treatment but looks set to continue.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is congratulated by Arne Slot.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is congratulated by Arne Slot. - Phil Noble/Reuters

01:32 PM GMT

58 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Henderson is booked for a late, lunging tackle on Elliott, who has stayed down.

01:30 PM GMT

57 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Josh Woods hits the bar! One Accrington Stanley corner leads to another when Josh Woods’ header deflects wide off Jota. The second one is taken short to Josh Woods, who cuts inside and rams a drive off the top of the crossbar! Kelleher probably had it covered but it was a fine effort.

01:28 PM GMT

55 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

A glorious one-touch move from Liverpool, full of fancy flicks, ends with Alexander-Arnold’s cross being blocked. The passing and movement before that was delightful.

01:26 PM GMT

53 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Accrington Stanley have been more positive at the start of the second half. Walton (I think) has a chance to put Whalley through on goal but overhits his pass. It wasn’t easy because of the position of the Liverpool defender but it was an opening.

01:23 PM GMT

49 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

A sniff of a chance for Stanley. Josh Woods’ dangerous cross from the right just evades Walton and reaches Ben Woods beyond the far post. His shot is blocked.

Incidentally Darwin Nunez was down a minute or so ago but he’s okay to continue.

Darwin Nunez needed treatment but is able to continue.
Darwin Nunez needed treatment but is able to continue. - Peter Byrne/PA

01:21 PM GMT

48 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

01:20 PM GMT

46 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Chiesa almost scores inside 60 seconds of coming on, hitting a shot into the side netting from a tight angle. Just before that Darwin Nunez had a shot blocked by the keeper Billy Crellin.

01:19 PM GMT

46 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Liverpool begin the second half. Both teams have made substitutions at the break.

Liverpool Federico Chiesa for Dominik Szoboszlai.

Accrington Stanley Liam Coyle and Alex Henderson for Ashley Hunter and Nelson Khumbeni.

01:05 PM GMT

Half-time verdict

This game has all the tension of an open training session. Accrington dared to dream for 30 minutes but Jota and Alexander-Arnold’s screamer should make it a case of ‘how many?’ in the second half. The cup magic so far has come from Liverpool’s twinkle-toed winger, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who is enjoying a good debut.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a screamer to make it 2-0.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a screamer to make it 2-0. - Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC

01:03 PM GMT

HT: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0

As expected, Liverpool have been too strong for Stanley. Diogo Jota finished off a devastating counter-attack to give them the lead before Trent Alexander-Arnold lashed a brilliant second on the stroke of half-time.

01:03 PM GMT

Goal!

45 min: Liverpool 2 Accrington Stanley 0 (Alexander-Arnold) A spectacular goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold on the stroke of half-time. He received a short pass from Szoboszlai 20 yards from goal, to the right of centre, and simply swished a rising drive into the far corner. As always with Alexander-Arnold, the ball-striking technique was a thing of beauty.

01:00 PM GMT

44 min: Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley

The possession stats tell the story of the first half: Liverpool have had 85 per cent to Accrington Stanley’s 15.

The 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has seen plenty of the ball.
The 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has seen plenty of the ball. - Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC

12:58 PM GMT

42 min: Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley 0

Jota again finds space on the edge of the area and pushes the ball infield to Nunez. His shot on the turn hits Awe and spins over the bar for a corner.

Tsimikas’s corner is headed away, Hunter threatens to break but is all alone and loses possession.

12:56 PM GMT

40 min: Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley 0

Morton shoots over from 25 yards, a decent effort but one that Crellin had covered. Accrington Stanley are being smothered and kept in their own half.

12:53 PM GMT

36 min: Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley 0

Half chance for Liverpool. Jota and Morton combine nicely to find Elliott, whose shot from the edge of the area is too close to Crellin. Jota’s intelligent movement is causing Accrington Stanley plenty of problems.

12:49 PM GMT

33 min: Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley 0

Anfield announced Jota as the scorer of ‘Liverpool’s first goal’. Would suggest the DJ is anticipating a few more. Highly likely if they decide to move out of second gear.

12:48 PM GMT

Watch: Jota gives Liverpool the lead

12:47 PM GMT

Goal!

29 min: Liverpool 1 Accrington Stanley (Jota) Ngumoha commits a naive foul on Walton, which allows Stanley to send the big men forward - but Ben Woods’ free-kick doesn’t beat the front man and Liverpool break devastatingly to score.

Alexander-Arnold slipped a nice pass down the side to Nunez, who calmly squared the ball to give Jota an open goal. That was lovely play. Nunez gets a lot of stick but he judged that situation perfectly; it would have been easy to take the shot on himself given how desperate he is for a goal.

Diogo Jota gives Liverpool the lead.
Diogo Jota gives Liverpool the lead. - Phil Noble/Reuters

12:43 PM GMT

26 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Tsimikas’s deep cross is headed back across goal by Elliott and smuggled behind for a corner with Jota lurking. Tsimikas takes the corner and Endo heads well wide of the near post.

12:41 PM GMT

24 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Rio Ngumoha’s dribbling continues to be the most arresting thing about this game. No sign of panic from Liverpool, who are a very patient side under Arne Slot and will expect to wear Stanley down.

12:36 PM GMT

20 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

If they ever remake ‘Lethal Weapon’, Darwin Nunez will not be on the cast list. Two early chances squandered.

12:35 PM GMT

19 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Stanley’s best attack to date. Khumbeni lobs a clever pass over the top to release Whalley on the left. He moves into the area and crosses towards Walton; Tsimikas gets in front to head behind for a corner.

Whalley’s inswinging corner leads to a foul by Josh Woods on Kelleher.

12:32 PM GMT

16 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Tsimikas wins a corner after another eye-catching dribble from Ngumoha, who is playing with such confidence and freedom. Nothing comes of it.

12:31 PM GMT

14 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Elliott cuts inside and tees up Ngumoha, whose first-time shot from the left side of the area is well off target and becomes a return pass to Elliott. It was a pretty tough chance.

12:29 PM GMT

12 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Another chance for Liverpool! Ngumoha goes on another stirring run and finds Tsimikas. His low pass infield is dummied by Szoboszlai and drilled towards goal by Alexander-Arnold on the edge of the area. Crellin makes a good save with his right foot but the ball ricochets to Nunez, who spanks over from 12 yards. That was a much clearer chance than his first one.

12:27 PM GMT

10 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Accrington are playing a high line defence and trying to press high when Liverpool defenders have possession, which is more ambitious than some Premier League Anfield visitors. Ambitious? Risky? Both.

12:24 PM GMT

7 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Chance for Nunez. A dangerous cross from the left, I think by Tsimikas, is kept alive by the sliding Elliott beyond the far post. His cutback is slightly behind Nunez, who heads over from five yards. A tough chance as he was leaning away from goal.

12:22 PM GMT

6 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

So far so good for Stanley. Liverpool have had most of the ball but it has all been in front of the defence. Ngumoha gets a round of applause after a nice little run infield from the left; he doesn’t look fazed.

Farrend Rawson challenges Dominik Szoboslai.
Farrend Rawson challenges Dominik Szoboslai. - Phil Noble/Reuters

12:20 PM GMT

3 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Elliott’s pass across the edge of the area is dummied nicely by Szoboszlai. It reaches Ngumoha on the far side but he is quickly crowded out by Accrington Stanley defenders.

Rio Ngumoha, 16, in action on his Liverpool debut.
Rio Ngumoha, 16, in action on his Liverpool debut. - Phil Noble/Reuters

12:16 PM GMT

1 min: Liverpool 0 Accrington Stanley 0

Accrington Stanley kick off from left to right as we watch.

12:16 PM GMT

Red on red

“First to wear red” is the banner in the Accrington end of Anfield. Shots fired.

12:13 PM GMT

Here come the players

The away fans are making a fantastic noise as the teams walk onto the field. Imagine the racket if they score!

The Accrington Stanley fans are making the most of their big day.
The Accrington Stanley fans are making the most of their big day. - Phil Noble/Reuters

12:08 PM GMT

A reminder of the teams

Liverpool (possible 4-2-3-1) Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Endo, Tsimikas; Morton, Szoboszlai; Elliott, Jota, Ngumoha; Nunez.

Substitutes: Jaros, Diaz, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Robertson, McConnell, Danns, Bradley, Nyoni.

Accrington Stanley (4-2-3-1) Crellin; Love, Rawson, Awe, B Woods; Martin, Khumbani; J Woods, Hunter, Whalley; Walton.

Substitutes: Kelly, Coyle, Mooney, Henderson, Knowles, Batty, Aljofree, Conneely, O’Brien.

Rio Ngumoha, 16, is about to become Liverpool's youngest ever starter.
Rio Ngumoha, 16, is about to become Liverpool’s youngest ever starter. - Jan Kruger/Getty Images

12:06 PM GMT

No VAR at Anfield

There will be no VAR today to ensure consistency across all the third-round ties. And there are no replays either; if necessary the game will go to extra-time and penalties.

12:02 PM GMT

Follow all the FA Cup action

There are FA Cup ties dotted throughout the day, with three matches kicking off at midday. You can follow all the action with Will Conroy.

Read more...

11:55 AM GMT

The story of Accrington Stanley

11:54 AM GMT

The dark postscript to famous milk advert

Its heritage has also been tarnished by the darkest of episodes, in which the boy behind arguably its most famous line went on to commit a brutal murder that will see him spend Saturday’s game – and at least another 16 years – behind bars.

Read more...

11:40 AM GMT

Accrington Stanley? Who are they?

11:36 AM GMT

Arne Slot on the selection of Rio Ngumoha

It’s always special when young players make their debut. It’s put a smile on my face. He’s a young kid who’s been with us for half a season. Every time he has trained with the first team he hasn’t been afraid to do what he’s good at, taking players on one v one, and hopefully we will see that today.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot. - Phil Noble/Reuters

11:34 AM GMT

Ngumoha is Liverpool’s youngest ever starter

At the extremely tender age of 16 years 135 days, Rio Ngumoha becomes the second youngest player in Liverpool’s history and the youngest ever to start a game. Jerome Sinclair was 16 years 6 days old when he came off the bench in a League Cup tie in 2012.

Rio Ngumoha is set to make his Liverpool debut.
Rio Ngumoha is set to make his Liverpool debut. - Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC

11:24 AM GMT

Accrington Stanley team news

John Doolan, Accrington Stanley’s Liverpudlian manager, sticks with the XI that won 2-0 at Colchester a week ago.

11:17 AM GMT

Liverpool team news

Arne Slot makes eight changes to the side that started the Carabao Cup defeat at Spurs. Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah and Diogo Jota are the man who keep their place. The 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha will make his Liverpool debut in what is still, despite all those changes, a strong side.

11:09 AM GMT

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live minute-by-minute coverage of Liverpool v Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup. Thirty-five years on from probably the most famous milk advert in UK TV history, these clubs meet in a competitive fixture for the first time.

It’s hard to see anything other than a comfortable Liverpool win against a team that sits in 19th in League Two, but then people probably said the same when Liverpool met Southern League side Worcester City in 1959. In this competition, you can never be 100 per cent sure.

Arne Slot will surely take the opportunity to rotate his squad ahead of two tough away games in the Premier League. Liverpool visit Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and Brentford a week today. That could mean a start for Federico Chiesa, who has been a bit-part player since joining from Juventus.

“It’s not only been difficult for him in terms of match fitness,” said Slot, “it’s also that he has to compete with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah.

“Everybody here knows the numbers Mo Salah brings in. There’s not many times a reason to take him out during a game or before a game.”

Slot isn’t too familiar with Accrington Stanley, but he is taking nothing for granted. “I do know about the milk advert. Probably everyone knows this. After the draw there was a video about a player [Josh Woods] who was so happy he was going to play at Anfield, so these kind of things I know.

“I think every team that plays against us it is a special occasion, but especially for a lower league team. They will be all up for it, they have looked forward to this game for many weeks. For them this will feel like the Champions League final, so we have to be aware of that.”

Kick off 12.15pm.

Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt walks round the Anfield pitch.
Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt walks round the Anfield pitch. - Phil Noble/Reuters