Mohamed Salah Recaptures Scintillating Form in Liverpool's FA Cup Triumph
When Mohamed Salah last faced Brighton at Anfield in December, uncertainty loomed over his future with Liverpool. Two months later, with the Egyptian star reinstated as a starter, Salah and manager Arne Slot reaped the rewards of their reconciliation as Liverpool eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton.
Salah delivered a sublime assist, his fourth since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, and confidently converted a penalty, condemning Brighton to their fourth defeat in five matches. Despite a promising start from the visitors, who showed no signs of underperforming for under-pressure manager Fabian Hürzeler, they faded rapidly as Liverpool took control.
Slot's Strategic Decisions Pay Off
Arne Slot admitted to struggling with sleep while deliberating whether to rest overloaded players at risk of injury or field a strong side for this crucial fixture. Ultimately, he opted for the latter, leaving Hugo Ekitiké and Ryan Gravenberch out of the starting lineup as precautions but otherwise deploying his strongest available team. This approach avoided a repeat of last season's fourth-round shock at Plymouth.
With injuries to Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong, and Joe Gomez deemed not fit enough to start, Curtis Jones was assigned the right-back role. The match lacked the intensity of a blood-and-thunder cup tie initially, as Liverpool took half an hour to find urgency, while Brighton dominated early exchanges without seriously troubling goalkeeper Alisson.
Liverpool's Dominance Unfolds
Jones, frequently drifting into midfield, signaled Liverpool's improvement with a narrowly wide drive. Cody Gakpo had a headed goal disallowed for offside, but the hosts soon played with the required intensity. Salah broke clear but was denied by Ferdi Kadioglu, and Milos Kerkez tested Brighton's keeper Jason Steele with a sharp shot.
Brighton could not withstand the pressure and conceded shortly before halftime. A tackle by Charalampos Kostoulas inadvertently set up Kerkez, who delivered a low cross into the box. Jones, arriving unmarked, side-footed the ball home via the underside of the bar for his first goal of the season, sparking a brief response from Brighton.
Jack Hinshelwood missed a close-range header, and Alisson saved a one-on-one chance from Diego Gómez just before the break. Early in the second half, fortune favored Alisson when his clearance rebounded off Gómez and wide, followed by a vital intervention to deny Lewis Dunk's header.
Salah and Szoboszlai Seal the Victory
The tie was effectively settled from Liverpool's next attack. Gakpo's crossfield pass found Salah, who, in one fluid motion, volleyed the ball into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungary captain did not break stride, lashing a first-time drive past Steele for a spectacular goal.
Salah then won and converted a penalty for Liverpool's third, showcasing his old brilliance by turning Kadioglu and drawing a foul from Pascal Gross in the box. Stuart Attwell immediately awarded the spot-kick, and Salah blasted it past Steele with authority.
This victory underscores Liverpool's strength and Salah's resurgence, as they advance confidently in the FA Cup.
