Liverpool vs Brighton: Salah sparkles as Reds cruise to 3-0 FA Cup win
In the latest liverpool vs brighton tie, Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a convincing 3-0 victory at Anfield on Saturday night (ET). Curtis Jones opened the scoring before Dominik Szoboszlai added a second and Mohamed Salah converted a penalty to seal the win. The result offered a timely statement of intent from the home side.
Smooth start and clinical finishes
Liverpool took control late in the first half when a slick move created the opener. Milos Kerkez, operating at left-back, provided the assist for Curtis Jones, who was deputising at right-back in an injury-hit squad. Jones tucked home from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead just before the break.
After the interval Liverpool stepped up their intensity and methodically stretched Brighton’s resistance. The second goal came from a polished team move finished by Dominik Szoboszlai, who has increasingly shouldered the responsibility of adding goals from midfield this season. The midfielder’s strike summed up Liverpool’s blend of patience and precision in the final third.
Brighton’s hopes were extinguished when Salah won and then converted a penalty, underlining his continued influence on the side. The Egyptian forward also played a key part earlier in the move that led to Szoboszlai’s goal, demonstrating his ability to both create and finish chances even as his role evolves.
Manager’s message and individual takeaways
The manager praised the collective display and highlighted the progression of several squad members. He singled out Szoboszlai’s growing goal threat and credit was also directed at Jones for his adaptability and composure out of position. The comments reflected a wider belief in the club’s recruitment and development model, and suggested that young signings are beginning to hit their stride.
Defensively and in transition Liverpool showed greater cohesion than in recent weeks, while the midfield tempo fed the front line consistently. Salah’s contribution — both as creator and penalty taker — provided the clinical edge that had been missing in parts of the campaign. The performance offered a clearer sense of balance across the XI, with players stepping into unfamiliar roles and delivering tidy, effective performances.
Implications for both sides
For Liverpool, progression keeps multiple fronts alive and gives the squad momentum as fixtures intensify. The victory at Anfield also offered a reassuring response to earlier turbulence, with several players producing displays that reinforce the manager’s selection options for the busy weeks ahead.
Brighton now turn their focus back to league matters after a game in which they were second best. The visitors struggled to create sustained pressure and were punished by moments of individual quality and collective ruthlessness from their opponents. Lessons will be drawn from the encounter as they regroup for upcoming fixtures.
The FA Cup tie provided a stage for established performers and emerging contributors alike. With Liverpool through to the fifth round, attention will shift to how the manager manages minutes across a stretched squad and whether this kind of performance can be replicated in the league.
