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The Reds booked their place in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup with a confident 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday night. In front of 60,227 supporters, the Reds delivered a professional performance that blended patience, quality, and clinical finishing.
Goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Mohamed Salah sealed progression in style. It was not just about the scoreline. It was about control, maturity, and stepping up when it mattered most.
Team News: Four Changes and a Key Return
There was a clear sense of intent in the starting XI. Dominik Szoboszlai returned from suspension and was named in the lineup as one of four changes. Curtis Jones, Milos Kerkez, and Federico Chiesa were also brought into the side.
Liverpool started with: Alisson; Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Wirtz; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Chiesa, Jones; Gakpo.
Substitutes used included Gomez, Ekitike, Ngumoha, Nyoni, and Ramsay. The changes added energy and sharpness, especially in midfield and wide areas. With a strong spine still in place, Liverpool looked balanced from the first whistle.
Cagey Opening as Both Sides Feel Their Way In
The first half began evenly. Both teams showed respect for each other, and for around 30 minutes clear-cut chances were limited. Brighton tested the waters first when Ferdi Kadioglu forced an early save from . It was a reminder that the visitors were not at Anfield to sit back.
At the other end, Curtis Jones came close with a curling effort from the edge of the box. It was a confident attempt that hinted at what was to come.
Liverpool thought they had broken the deadlock in the 36th minute. Cody Gakpo nodded in a free kick delivered by Szoboszlai, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It was a tight call, and Anfield briefly erupted before the flag cut celebrations short. Still, the warning signs for Brighton were there.
Curtis Jones Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute, and it was crafted beautifully. Milos Kerkez, who had already tested Jason Steele with a powerful strike tipped over the bar, turned provider. From near the left touchline, he whipped in a dangerous cross with pace and precision.
Curtis Jones timed his run perfectly. He opened his body and guided the ball goalwards, watching it bounce in off the bar. It was a composed finish that capped off a lively first-half display.
has grown into these moments. On big nights at Anfield, he looks assured and decisive. Brighton almost responded immediately. Jack Hinshelwood headed over from a corner, and Alisson was called into action again to deny Diego Gomez from close range. Liverpool reached the break with a narrow but deserved lead.
Alisson’s Big Moment Preserves the Advantage
The start of the second half carried tension. Brighton pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and Liverpool needed their goalkeeper once again. A Brighton free kick was pumped into the area. Lewis Dunk headed the ball back across goal, where Jan Paul van Hecke was waiting for what looked like a simple tap-in.
Alisson had other ideas. The Brazilian clawed the ball away at full stretch, preventing what could have been a momentum-shifting goal. It was a crucial intervention that underlined why he remains one of the best in the world. In knockout football, moments like that often decide the outcome.
Szoboszlai Doubles the Lead in Style
That save proved even more important minutes later. Liverpool moved from defence to attack with purpose. Gakpo switched the play with a clever crossfield pass. Mohamed Salah nudged the ball perfectly into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai, who did not hesitate.
struck it first time, rifling the ball past Steele with power and accuracy. It was a well-worked team goal that showed Liverpool at their best. Quick thinking, intelligent movement, and a ruthless finish. At 2-0, the atmosphere inside Anfield shifted from tense to confident.
Salah Seals It From the Spot
If there were any doubts about the result, Mohamed Salah ended them. The Egyptian forward was heavily involved in the build-up to the third goal. He skipped past Kadioglu with trademark balance and acceleration before being challenged inside the box by Pascal Gross. The referee pointed straight to the spot. stepped up and delivered with authority, firing the penalty into the top corner. No hesitation. No drama. Just pure quality.
That goal made it 3-0 and effectively ended the contest. Salah’s influence throughout the night was clear. Beyond the penalty, his creativity and link-up play helped unlock Brighton’s defensive structure.
Clean Sheet Secured Despite Late Pressure
To their credit, Brighton did not give up. Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter threatened late on, probing for a consolation goal. But Liverpool remained disciplined. The defensive partnership of Van Dijk and Konate stayed composed, and Alisson ensured the clean sheet was preserved.
For Liverpool, the shutout was just as important as the three goals. Cup runs are built on balance, and defensive solidity is often the foundation.
Key Performers on the Night
Several players stood out in what was a complete team performance:
- Curtis Jones for his intelligent movement and opening goal
- Dominik Szoboszlai for his energy and stunning strike
- Mohamed Salah for his creativity and clinical penalty
- Alisson for two match-defining saves
It was not just about individual brilliance. The structure, pressing, and transitions were all well executed.
Liverpool March On in the FA Cup
With this 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool progress to the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup. Their place in Monday night’s draw is secured, and momentum continues to build.
Anfield witnessed a performance that combined patience with precision. Liverpool absorbed pressure when needed, capitalised on key moments, and showed their cutting edge in front of goal.
Cup competitions demand focus and consistency. On this evidence, Liverpool look ready for the next challenge. The journey continues, and with performances like this, belief will only grow.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com