Liverpool as expected,overcame the third round of the FA Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s boys defeated Aston Villa 4-1 as a guest and continues in the next phase, although the performance of The Reda was disappointing in the first 60 minutes. The hosts from Birmingham were badly hit by the coronavirus on the eve of the match, after a bunch of players from the first team gave positive tests for COVID-19 and the match was not safe, but in the end it was decided to be played. Villa’s squad tonight, was experimental to say the least, with 7 players from the U-23 team and 4 from the U-18. Earlier in the season, Aston Villa shocked with 7-2 at the same Liverpool in a match of the Premier League, but now the circumstances were much different.
For Liverpool tonight started the young Caoimhin Kelleher, who last time impressed with his performances manager Jurgen Klopp. The youngsters Reece Williams and Neco Williams were also included in the starting lineup and Roberto Firmino started from the bench, with the Japanese Takumi Minamino got a chance to perform instead.
In the 4th minute was the first threat for Villa ‘s side and Liverpool scored. It was Sadio Mane, who sent the ball into the opponent’s goal with a header after a cross by Neco Williams and the match started in the way Liverpool desired
Klopp’s players controlled the events on the field, but did not create any dangers for the hosts’ keeper. In the 21st minute Georginio Wijnaldum found himself in a good position to shoot, but his shot was inaccurate. Two minutes later, the Aston Villa goalie Akos Onodi intervened well and did not allow the guests to score a second goal after a shot by Fabinho. Mohamed Salah had a good chance to double Liverpool’s lead after a counterattack in the 35th minute. However, the Egyptian made a shot that was not good enough and Onodi was not too troubled.
In the 41st minute the hosts shocked their opponent. Louie Barry slipped past Livepool’s defense and came face to face with Kelleher. The teenager Barry played the situation as a classy, experienced striker and sent the ball in the net – 1-1.
A quarter of an hour after the break, the English champions finally regained the lead. In fact, between the 60th and 65th minute, Liverpool went wild and decided the match in their favor, scoring three quick goals. First, Wijnaldum was accurate with a precise shot after a combination between Salah and Minamino, after which the ball found the Dutchman. In the 63rd minute Mane scored a second goal with a header, this time masterfully lobbing Onodi for 3-1. Just two minutes later, Salah received the ball in the penalty area, turned around and with a quick and accurate shot sent the ball into the lower left corner of Onodi – 4-1.
By the end of the game, no new goals were scored and Liverpool qualified for the fourth round of the FA Cup. The draw is on the 11th this month with first match date on 23rd.
