Haaland pokes fun at Szoboszlai after eventful FA Cup night
A moment of humour from Erling Haaland added a light ending to an FA Cup tie that had already given Liverpool plenty to discuss. Watching from afar, the Manchester City striker could not resist commenting after seeing his former teammate Dominik Szoboszlai experience both highs and lows at Anfield.
Haaland, who played alongside Szoboszlai during their time at RB Salzburg, shared a Snapchat post while following Liverpool’s third-round match against Barnsley on television. Alongside a photo of the broadcast, he wrote: “Domi, what a goal smile a bit,” a playful nod to an evening that had swung sharply for the Hungarian midfielder.
Liverpool ultimately moved into the fourth round with a 4-1 victory over the League One side, but the match was not without controversy. Szoboszlai had put the hosts ahead early with a powerful strike from distance before Jeremie Frimpong extended the lead later in the first half.
Barnsley, however, were gifted a route back into the contest shortly before the break. An attempted backheel by Szoboszlai inside his own area went wrong, allowing Adam Phillips to score and briefly shift the momentum.
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That decision drew criticism after the final whistle. Speaking to TNT Sports, Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane questioned the Liverpool midfielder’s judgement, suggesting the move showed a lack of respect given the opposition. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot also expressed surprise at the choice, later describing it as “weird,” according to SPORTbible.
Despite the scrutiny, Liverpool regained control after half-time. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike ensured a comfortable scoreline and extended the club’s unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.
For Szoboszlai, the evening ended with qualification secured and a reminder of his close ties elsewhere in the Premier League. Haaland and the midfielder made 19 appearances together in Austria and have remained friends despite now playing for rival English clubs.
Liverpool will next face Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup before returning to league action at Anfield against Burnley on Saturday.
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Sources: SPORTbible, TNT Sports
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