On a chilly January night at Anfield, Liverpool fans were treated to a display that mixed relief, redemption, and a real sense of FA Cup ambition. The Reds dispatched Barnsley 4-1 in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup on January 12, 2026, but it was Jeremie Frimpong’s first home goal that truly stole the headlines and hearts alike.
For Frimpong, the road to this moment has been anything but smooth. The Dutch right-back, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer amid much fanfare, has struggled with injuries that kept him sidelined for much of his Liverpool tenure. Yet, in front of a roaring Anfield crowd, he finally announced himself in style. Cutting in from his familiar right-back berth, Frimpong drove into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that soared into the top corner, putting Liverpool 2-0 up in the 36th minute. The moment was, as he later described, "really like a relief."
"Exactly. It's my first goal at home. It meant a lot to me because obviously I've been injured for most of the time in Liverpool. To score this goal was really like a relief," Frimpong shared with Liverpoolfc.com after the match. "I just want to help the team and I want to use my ability. I'm just happy to be on the pitch and playing football. I'm happy."
The context behind Frimpong's determination was rooted in recent criticism. In the previous week’s goalless Premier League draw against Arsenal, a small but vocal group of fans questioned his decision to pass rather than shoot when presented with a golden opportunity. "I feel like I got a bit of stick back home against Arsenal because instead of passing it to Flo I should've shot. I just thought this time I'm going to smash it! I just wanted to shoot and I took the chance," he admitted. This time, there was no hesitation—just pure intent.
Frimpong’s goal was more than just a personal milestone; it was a reward for perseverance and a testament to his growing influence since returning from a hamstring injury in mid-December. In fact, the Dutch international has now played in six consecutive games, contributing one goal and three assists since his comeback. That attacking thrust has not gone unnoticed by fans or pundits.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge, writing in the Liverpool Echo, was effusive in his praise: "Jeremie Frimpong has been in great form since returning from injury. He deserved his goal against Barnsley. Like [Dominik] Szoboszlai’s finish, it was another great strike. He has a goal and three assists now since coming back into the side. It has been a great spell for him. He provides something different to our other players. He is electric; he is just so fast. Pace is something we need in the team."
Aldridge’s comments highlight a crucial point—Frimpong’s explosive speed and creativity offer Liverpool a dimension that’s been sorely missed, especially with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak sidelined and Luis Diaz having left last summer. With Conor Bradley, Liverpool’s other right-back, now ruled out for the remainder of the season, Frimpong’s role has become even more vital. The hope among the Anfield faithful is that he can stay fit and continue to deliver both defensively and offensively as the campaign intensifies.
But it wasn’t just Frimpong who shone against Barnsley. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from 25 yards, a goal that set the tone for the night. Yet football is a game of highs and lows—Szoboszlai was also culpable for Barnsley’s only goal, a mistake inside his own box that allowed Adam Phillips to briefly bring the visitors back into contention. "Dom's an amazing player. The first time I played against him was when he was at RB Leipzig. I could tell he was a great player and he was going to go to a big club. It's no surprise he's at Liverpool. He's a big impact for us. He's everywhere on the pitch and he can play any position. It's his work-rate and his attacking and defending ability. We're just pleased to have him," Frimpong said, emphasizing the Hungarian’s all-around contribution.
The match, though, was far from a walkover. Barnsley, despite being a League One side, put up a spirited fight, particularly after reducing the deficit to 2-1. Liverpool, however, showed their class and depth in the closing stages. Substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike each found the net, putting the result beyond doubt and setting up a tantalizing fourth-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion next month.
For Liverpool, the FA Cup now represents their most realistic shot at silverware this season. The Premier League title race has become a daunting uphill battle, and the Champions League draw has thrown up some tough opposition. Frimpong, for one, is eager to make the most of this opportunity. "Everywhere I've been I've won everything and that's what I want to do here," he declared with conviction. "That's why I play football. I want to win trophies."
Manager Arne Slot will be heartened by the resilience and attacking flair shown by his side, especially given the recent injuries and the need for rotation. The emergence of Frimpong as a dual threat—capable of marauding runs down the right and solid defensive work—could prove pivotal as Liverpool balance their ambitions on multiple fronts.
The Anfield crowd, meanwhile, left the stadium buzzing—not just with the satisfaction of a comfortable win, but with the sense that a new hero may be emerging in the famous red shirt. Frimpong’s journey from injury frustration to match-winner has been a rollercoaster, but on this evidence, he’s only just getting started.
With the FA Cup fourth round looming and the Premier League grind continuing, Liverpool’s hopes of ending the season with silverware rest on moments—and players—like these. Frimpong’s first Anfield goal was more than a number on the scoresheet; it was a statement of intent. The road ahead is long, but if the Reds can harness this blend of hunger, talent, and resilience, they just might have what it takes to go all the way.
For now, Liverpool fans can savor the win, the goals, and the promise of more magical nights to come. The next chapter awaits, with Brighton & Hove Albion set to test the Reds’ mettle in February. One thing’s for sure: with Jeremie Frimpong hitting his stride, Liverpool’s FA Cup dreams are very much alive.
