Liverpool cruise into FA Cup fifth round with 3-0 victory over Brighton
Liverpool moved into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. Curtis Jones opened the scoring before Dominik Szoboszlai produced a stunning strike and Mohamed Salah wrapped up the victory from the spot as the hosts dominated large periods of the fourth-round tie.
Salah rediscovers spark as Liverpool dominate
Mohamed Salah was at the centre of Liverpool's attacking threat, providing an eye-catching assist and converting a second-half penalty to seal the result. The Egyptian forward has shown a marked uptick in form since his recent return to the squad, helping to knit the front line together and offering defensive work-rate when needed.
After a cagey opening 30 minutes in which Brighton enjoyed spells of possession, Liverpool gradually grew into the game. Curtis Jones supplied the breakthrough shortly before half-time, arriving unmarked in the box to side-foot home following a dangerous low cross. That goal rewarded a period of sustained home pressure and set the tone for the second half.
Szoboszlai stunner and control in the middle
Dominik Szoboszlai added Liverpool's second with a strike that underlined his importance to the side. The midfielder has added goals to his game this season and his contribution in this tie combined energy, precision and class. His finish emphatically doubled the lead and took the sting out of Brighton's hopes of a comeback.
The victory showcased Liverpool's blend of pressing intensity and attacking variety. The hosts probed down both flanks, recycled possession efficiently, and produced moments of individual quality to unsettle a Brighton side that, while confident on the ball, lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Brighton's frustrations and key moments
Brighton had their moments early on and threatened on set pieces, but clear chances were few. A notable opening for the visitors came just after Liverpool's goal, when Jack Hinshelwood met a corner at close range but directed his header over the bar. Moments later, a one-on-one presented Diego Gómez with a chance, only for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to make a crucial stop and preserve the lead.
Late in the match, Brighton thought they had pulled one back through substitute Rio Ngumoha, but the goal was chalked off for offside. That decision ended a potentially nervy finish for Liverpool and ensured the tie would not return to contention.
Manager reaction and what it means next
Liverpool's manager highlighted the growing consistency of several members of the squad and praised the added goal threat from midfield. He singled out Szoboszlai as a player who is contributing more in front of goal while also helping the team defensively, and he expressed satisfaction with the versatility shown by players operating in unfamiliar positions.
For Brighton, the defeat leaves questions over finishing and a goal-scoring run that has failed to click in recent matches. Their confidence on the ball and pressing structure offered positives, but the lack of a cutting edge in and around the box proved decisive.
Liverpool will now turn attention to the fifth round with momentum and a deeper squad to call upon, while Brighton must regroup quickly to arrest a run of matches without a goal and re-evaluate attacking solutions as they balance cup commitments with league demands.
