Liverpool ease past Brighton in FA Cup clash, setting up a tantalizing fifth-round tie
Liverpool subdued Brighton 3-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, extending Arne Slot’s quest for silverware this season with a confident display. With their Premier League title defense slipping away, the Reds treated the cup as a prime opportunity and named a strong lineup that overwhelmed the visitors from Brighton.
Curtis Jones opened the scoring with his first goal in 57 games for the club just before the break, and Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the lead with a technically gorgeous finish after a flowing team move. Mohamed Salah then struck from the penalty spot midway through the second half to seal the win as Liverpool cruised into the fifth round, with the draw scheduled for Monday.
Here are key moments and takeaways from the night at Anfield:
- A professional, let-it-happen performance: Liverpool controlled the match for long spells and kept Brighton at bay, allowing Slot to rotate late on without risking the result.
- Jones seizes his chance: The 22-year-old midfielder’s breakthrough came at a crucial moment, potentially earning him more game time, possibly at right-back given squad needs.
- Szoboszlai makes his mark: The Hungarian midfielder looked sharp in midfield, exemplifying the creative edge Slot wants from the engine room.
- Salah’s return to goalscoring form: The Egyptian forward’s penalty capped his contribution for the night and continued his scoring record against English clubs, a reminder of his clutch finishing when it matters.
- A pathway to silverware clarified: With the Premier League title looking distant and the Champions League still in play, the FA Cup represents a tangible prize for this Liverpool side this season.
Reaction and insights from the press box:
- Richard Jolly, Liverpool correspondent, described the night as one where several elements clicked: the defense held firm, Jones’s versatility shone, Szoboszlai impressed, and Salah’s influence remained clear as Slot rested other players at the end.
Final whistle: Liverpool 3-0 Brighton
Liverpool advance to the fifth round, where the draw takes place on Monday. Brighton, while tamed on the night, can take positives from a performance that suggested there are still issues to address as they aim to climb back up the Premier League table.
Would you agree that Liverpool’s approach in this FA Cup tie was exactly the kind of strategic rotation you’d expect from a team chasing multiple competitions, or should they have prioritized the cup more aggressively? Share your thoughts below.
