Jeremie Frimpong sends trophy message to Liverpool fans after Arsenal criticism

The 25-year-old scored Liverpool's second goal in the 4-1 win over Barnsley and revealed post-match why he opted to shoot rather than look for a cross into the box

Jeremie Frimpong has admitted that criticism following the 0-0 draw against Arsenal acted as motivation ahead of the Barnsley FA Cup tie (Image: Getty Images)

Jeremie Frimpong has revealed that the criticism he received in the aftermath of last week’s draw against Arsenal served as the perfect motivation ahead of Monday’s FA Cup win over Barnsley.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man started at right-back in the 4-1 win at Anfield and netted the Reds’ second goal of the night after he drove into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot. That was his first Liverpool goal since the Community Shield in August, and helped him banish some of the frustrations that have arisen following a difficult start to life in the Premier League.

Two injuries have prevented him from being a regular feature in the team, but having returned from a hamstring injury in mid-December, he has now played in the last six games. That includes last Thursday’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal, when a small minority felt he should have shot rather than attempting to tee up Florian Wirtz at the Emirates.

“I feel like I got a bit of stick back home against Arsenal because instead of passing it to Flo I should've shot,” Frimpong told LFCTV after the Barnsley win.

“I just thought this time I'm going to smash it! I just wanted to shoot, and I took the chance.

“It's my first goal at home,” he added. “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 started at right-back in the FA Cup win over Barnsley(Image: Getty Images)

Frimpong is expected to play an increasingly prominent role going forward following the injury to Conor Bradley.

Despite playing in an advanced right-wing role previously, the Northern Irishman’s absence will likely result in him being pushed into a more defensive position for the remainder of the campaign.

"I just want to help the team and I want to use my ability," said the Dutch international.

"I'm just happy to be on the pitch and playing football. I'm happy."

In addition to Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike were on target in the FA Cup victory, which set up a fourth-round meeting against Brighton & Hove Albion next month.

The competition represents Liverpool’s best chance of capturing silverware this season, given the team's struggles in the Premier League and the stiff competition in the Champions League.

“Everywhere I've been I've won everything and that's what I want to do here,” said Frimpoing.

“That's why I play football. I want to win trophies.”