Liverpool 3-0 Brighton: Salah, Szoboszlai and Jones send Reds into FA Cup fifth round
Anfield, Feb. 15, 2026 (ET) — Liverpool secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah on the scoresheet to book a place in the last 16.
Smooth opener and a clinical second half
The contest was settled without late drama. Milos Kerkez produced a precise pass down the left to set up Curtis Jones, who tucked home the opener shortly before half-time. Jones, deployed at right-back amid a stretched squad, delivered an assured performance that combined defensive solidity with a composed finish from close range.
Liverpool turned the screw after the break. A slick team move culminated in Dominik Szoboszlai firing home an excellent finish to double the lead and put the tie beyond doubt. The visitors never managed to find a foothold, with Liverpool controlling possession and tempo throughout the second half.
Mohamed Salah capped the night by winning a spot kick and converting it himself, maintaining his knack for decisive contributions. The forward also played a part in the build-up to one of the goals, demonstrating his continued importance in both creation and finishing despite a season in which his role has been scrutinised.
Performances and implications
Liverpool's display felt like a reminder of the collective quality available when the team clicks. Szoboszlai's goal underlined the growth in his attacking output; the midfielder is adding goals to a game already praised for its physicality and energy. The manager highlighted Szoboszlai's trajectory, noting that the midfielder is delivering increasingly in goal-scoring positions while also contributing defensively.
Jones' showing at full-back offered a timely boost. With injuries across the squad, his adaptable outing provided both defensive cover and an attacking spark. The manager described Jones as a very good player who can be a solution in different positions when the team needs it most.
Salah once again proved he can influence big moments. After a spell away on international duty earlier in the campaign, the forward has reasserted his value by combining goal threat with a willingness to create for others. His penalty sealed the win and gave the home support another of the celebrated goal salutes that have become a feature of his Anfield appearances.
What comes next
The victory sends Liverpool into the fifth round of the FA Cup and provides momentum as the schedule ramps up. The manager emphasised the squad depth being tested by frequent fixtures, suggesting the recent run of solid performances could be a sign that the team is better equipped to handle the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
Brighton leave Anfield with lessons to take from a night when they were unable to match Liverpool's intensity and cutting edge in the final third. For Liverpool, the result will be welcomed not only for progression in the cup but for the chance to build confidence and cohesion as the season heads into a congested period.
With a mixture of youth and experience stepping up—Jones adapting seamlessly to a new role, Szoboszlai continuing to add goals, and Salah showing he remains decisive—Liverpool will hope this performance is a platform for a stronger second half of the campaign.
