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Ally McCoist expressed his disbelief at Dominik Szoboszlai’s failed back-heel attempt that gifted Barnsley a goal during Liverpool’s 4-1 FA Cup victory on Monday, with the pundit describing the Hungarian midfielder’s decision as “incredible” and “absolutely incredible” during his live commentary on TNT Sports.
McCoist Stunned by Szoboszlai Back-Heel Blunder in Liverpool’s FA Cup Win Over Barnsley
Liverpool defeated League One side Barnsley 4-1 in their FA Cup tie on Monday, but Arne Slot’s men were made to work harder than expected against the lower-league opposition. The Anfield outfit were expected to cruise to an easy victory, but Barnsley put up a decent fight and even had the first chance of the match when Davis Keillor-Dunn put an early opportunity narrowly wide.
The most controversial moment came when former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips scored for Barnsley following Szoboszlai’s defensive error. Both players were chasing the ball in Liverpool’s penalty area when the Hungarian midfielder chose to attempt a back-heel instead of simply clearing the danger, allowing Phillips to capitalise and find the net.
McCoist was left speechless by Szoboszlai’s decision during his live commentary on TNT Sports. “Wow I’m actually stunned at what I’ve just seen, I really am,” McCoist said, prompting co-commentator Darren Fletcher to reply: “It’s the first time I’ve been sat with you and you’re speechless.” The former Scotland striker revisited the incident later in the match, adding further criticism of the midfielder’s choice.
McCoist elaborated on his frustration with Szoboszlai’s approach to the defensive situation. “I don’t know what Szoboszlai is thinking. He does well to match the run, and then defensively his duties were all but done as he gets in front of Phillips,” McCoist explained. “Does he try to stand on the ball or backheel it…oh he does. He tries to backheel it! What is he thinking? That is incredible. Absolutely incredible.”
The pundit concluded his assessment by questioning how a player of Szoboszlai’s calibre could make such a decision in a dangerous area. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player of that quality do something like that in an area where you shouldn’t even be thinking about it. I’m stunned,” McCoist stated. Liverpool will face Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup following their victory over Barnsley.
