John Doolan was wrapping up his post-match press conference when the reality of Accrington Stanley’s visit to Anfield struck him. “Trent Alexander-Arnold put one in the top corner,” said the Accrington manager. “Federico Chiesa put one in the bottom corner … look at these names I’m talking about.” It was one of the rare moments where the League Two club’s sense of wonder showed.
Liverpool, reimagined by Arne Slot but brimming with quality, allowed no space for an upset. The historic milk advert remains the strongest link between the two clubs. Diogo Jota, captain-for-the-day Alexander-Arnold, standout 18-year-old Jayden Danns, and Federico Chiesa, who scored his first Liverpool goal, ensured a dominant win for the Premier League leaders.
Accrington, however, refused to let it be a one-sided affair. The 2-0 halftime scoreline was tough on the League Two side, which stands to gain nearly £500,000 from the game. They had two big chances to narrow the gap in the second half. Josh Woods, a lifelong Liverpool fan, struck the crossbar, while Donald Love missed a golden opportunity in front of 4,700 traveling fans.
Doolan had urged his players to hold their own and wasn’t disappointed. After the match, he received a hug and warm words from Slot, and Alexander-Arnold, whom Doolan had coached at six years old, also offered his congratulations.
“I can’t praise Slot enough,” Doolan said. “He’s a world-class manager with a world-class team. He invited us in for a drink, which he didn’t have to do, but I’m definitely accepting. Trent came up to me in his flip-flops and said, ‘I remember.’ Then we chatted like it was last week. He’s such a wonderful and humble guy.”
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Class on Display
Liverpool’s superiority showed on the pitch as well. Slot handed a debut to Rio Ngumoha, a promising academy graduate. At 16 years and 135 days, he became the youngest player to start for Liverpool. Quick and daring, the young winger made a strong first impression. Accrington, though, adapted admirably, pressing relentlessly to disrupt Liverpool’s flow.
The gulf between Premier League and League Two was evident in the opening goal. A cleared Accrington free-kick led to a swift Liverpool counterattack. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold combined to set up Darwin Núñez, who delivered a perfect cross for Jota to tap in.
Alexander-Arnold doubled the lead with a stunning strike before halftime. After a blocked shot from Ngumoha, Tyler Morton and Szoboszlai set up their captain, who curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner. “I could talk for hours about that goal,” said Slot. “It was unbelievable. The reaction after the United game is the biggest compliment Trent could get.”
A Spirited Effort
Accrington came close to scoring from set pieces. Woods’ thunderous shot rattled the crossbar, while captain Shaun Whalley’s pinpoint cross was headed over by Love from close range.
Liverpool sealed their dominance through Danns and Chiesa in the second half. Danns, impressive in midfield, set up Chiesa and scored himself after Crellin blocked Chiesa’s initial effort. Chiesa later found the net with a clinical strike in the 90th minute.
“I know it ended 4-0, but it didn’t feel like 4-0,” Doolan said. “It was brilliant.”
