Liverpool Cruise Past Brighton to Reach FA Cup Fifth Round
Liverpool delivered a commanding performance, defeating Brighton 3-0 at Anfield on Saturday, February 14, 2026, to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Mohamed Salah secured a comfortable victory for Arne Slot’s side.
The win marked just the third time this season Liverpool have achieved consecutive domestic victories, offering a potential turning point in a season that had previously lacked consistency. The match began with a fairly even tempo, but Liverpool gradually gained control, though an early goal from Cody Gakpo was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool broke the deadlock shortly before halftime when Jones tapped home a low cross from Milos Kerkez. The goal, Jones’s first of the season, rewarded a period of sustained pressure from the home side. Brighton responded immediately after the restart, with Alisson forced to make a crucial save to deny Lewis Dunk an equalizer.
Szoboszlai doubled Liverpool’s advantage with a stunning strike, described by Salah as being from “one of the best players in the world right now.” The goal came after a well-constructed move initiated by a crossfield pass from Kerkez to Salah. Salah then added a third from the penalty spot after being fouled by Pascal Gross, completing the scoring and sealing Liverpool’s progression.
The match also highlighted the resurgent form of Mohamed Salah, who provided an assist for Szoboszlai’s goal and scored a penalty. His performance drew praise from manager Arne Slot, who emphasized not only Salah’s goal-scoring ability but also his improved defensive contributions. “But what I like the most is he also helps the team a lot defensively and that is something very positive. It is what the team needs,” Slot said.
The victory comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future at the club, with reports of rancour and recrimination following a previous encounter with Brighton in December. His current form suggests a positive resolution to that situation.
Brighton, under manager Fabian Hürzeler, struggled to find a cutting edge in attack, despite showing moments of confidence in possession and pressing. A late goal from substitute Rio Ngumoha was wrongly disallowed for offside, adding to their frustration.
Hürzeler acknowledged Liverpool’s quality and lamented his team’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities. “Liverpool had the quality to use their chances. We were not able to be that effective,” he stated.
The FA Cup run represents a potential lifeline for Liverpool’s season, as they look to salvage success from a campaign that has, until recently, fallen short of expectations. The fifth-round draw will determine their next opponent in the competition.
