Liverpool 3-0 Brighton: Salah back on scoresheet as Reds reach FA Cup fifth round
Liverpool moved into the fifth round of the FA Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield. Curtis Jones opened the scoring late in the first half, Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the lead early in the second half and Mohamed Salah sealed the win from the penalty spot as the Reds produced one of their strongest performances of the season.
Clinical finishing and defensive intensity put Brighton to the sword
The tie looked finely poised until the closing stages of the first half, when Liverpool finally broke the deadlock. An early Cody Gakpo header from a Dominik Szoboszlai delivery was ruled out by a delayed offside flag, but Liverpool needed little time to make their advantage count. Curtis Jones, operating as a makeshift right-back, tapped home from close range after a precise low cross from Milos Kerkez to put the hosts ahead just before the break.
Brighton began the second half on the front foot and forced Alisson into a superb save to deny Lewis Dunk an equaliser, but that moment proved only a brief respite. Liverpool responded with the best move of the night: Kerkez swung play to Mohamed Salah, who cushioned the ball into the path of Szoboszlai. The Hungary midfielder finished emphatically to make it 2-0 and further assert Liverpool's control.
The game was put beyond doubt when Pascal Groß brought down Salah in the box and the forward dispatched the spot-kick with composure. The three-goal margin reflected Liverpool's superiority across all departments as they combined pressing intensity with clear cutting in the final third.
Manager reaction and squad implications
Manager Arne Slot highlighted his squad's pressing and adaptability after the match, praising the performance levels shown in both attack and defence. He singled out Szoboszlai's progression, noting that while many players already operate at an elite level, Szoboszlai has continued to develop and contribute crucial goals for the team. Slot also commended Jones for his display at right-back, pointing to the squad depth that has allowed Liverpool to adjust personnel without losing intensity.
Slot reflected on stylistic changes across the league and how that affected the teams' ability to press and build from the back. He suggested that Liverpool matched Brighton's intent to play out from defence while maintaining the off-the-ball quality that has been a trademark of the side.
Dominik Szoboszlai offered a brief reaction after the match, saying he wants to keep scoring and continuing his run of form — an intention backed up by his lively display and goal involvement on the night.
What this means going forward
The victory marks just the third time this season Liverpool have strung together consecutive domestic wins, a run that will provide welcome momentum as the club seeks to salvage a complicated campaign with a strong cup showing. The Reds will wait until Monday (ET) to discover their fifth-round opponents.
For Brighton, the result compounds a difficult period. The Seagulls are now without a win in five matches, and the loss at Anfield underlined ongoing issues in converting spells of possession into meaningful attacking outcomes.
At Anfield, Liverpool combined control, pressing energy and clinical finishing to advance comfortably. With Szoboszlai contributing from midfield, Jones adapting effectively to a new role and Salah back on the scoresheet, the Reds will eye the next round with renewed belief.
