In a match that could be remembered as a turning point, Federico Chiesa, who has struggled to find his footing at Liverpool, delivered a standout performance against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third-round tie.

The Italian winger, signed from Juventus for £10 million, showcased his talent on an occasion where his club was looking to establish dominance against lower-league opposition. Though the match was against League Two’s Accrington, Chiesa’s contributions were vital in securing a 4-0 victory, highlighting his potential to be a key player for Liverpool moving forward.

Chiesa netted his first goal for the club late in the game, a well-placed shot from 22 yards that delightful curled off the post, thanks to an assist from promising teenager Trey Nyoni. Before that, he had already made an impact by hitting the woodwork and providing an assist to Darwin Nunez. After enduring a frustrating start characterized by injuries and illness, this performance signifies a much-needed resurgence for Chiesa and a hopeful sign for Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

With Liverpool taking some time to find their rhythm in the frigid conditions, they eventually asserted their control over the match. Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring with a cross that Diogo Jota tapped in, followed by a stunning long-range shot from Alexander-Arnold doubling the lead before halftime. It was a stark contrast to the lackluster display the team had shown just days prior against Manchester United.

Spotlight should also be on 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who made his debut as the youngest player to start for Liverpool. His composure and skill on the ball were commendable, hinting at a bright future for the rising star.

Despite the scoreline, Accrington exhibited moments of promise, including a near miss when striker Josh Woods hit the crossbar, demonstrating their tenacity. They pressed forward with intent, creating several opportunities that could have altered the outcome of the match.

As the match wore on, Chiesa began to find his groove, culminating in a critical role for Liverpool's third goal. His persistence and effort consistently troubled the Accrington defense, showcasing the kind of player he can be when fit and firing.

Chiesa’s late goal in the 90th minute serves as a confidence booster for both the player and the team. As Liverpool looks ahead with hopes of reclaiming their status as title contenders, performances like these are essential. Can Chiesa build on this form in the forthcoming matches and secure a more permanent place in the starting XI? Only time will tell, but this FA Cup match may just be the spark that ignites his Liverpool career.