Salah's Return to Form Fuels Liverpool's FA Cup Ambitions
Mohamed Salah offered a compelling reminder of his enduring class as Liverpool secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield. The Egyptian forward, whose future has been the subject of intense speculation following his controversial interview late last year, scored one goal and provided an assist in a performance that felt like a significant step in his reintegration into the squad.
A Night of Healing and Celebration
Salah's 252nd goal for Liverpool came from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Pascal Gross, rifling his shot into the roof of the net. This marked only his second goal since the incendiary Leeds interview and his first against a Premier League club since early November. The Kop chorused his song as he patted the badge on his chest, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of his most prolific seasons.
The context of Salah's contribution cannot be overstated. After managing just one goal in his previous twelve appearances for Liverpool, this performance represented a crucial return to form. His assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's goal was his fourth since returning from the African Cup of Nations, demonstrating his continued creative influence even during his goal drought.
Slot's Tactical Masterstroke
Liverpool manager Arne Slot received sweet vindication for his team selection, which saw Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai deployed in unexpected positions. Rather than fielding Szoboszlai in the back four and Jones in midfield as anticipated, Slot reversed their roles with spectacular results.
Jones broke his 57-game goal drought with a magnificent half-volley from Milos Kerkez's cross, crashing his shot off the underside of the bar. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai utilized his explosive running power to burst through the inside-right channel and thunder home Liverpool's second goal, his second unstoppable strike in as many weeks at Anfield.
Slot appears to have learned from last season's FA Cup embarrassment against Plymouth, when his weakened selection resulted in defeat. This time, he started with nine of his strongest available eleven, demonstrating the increased importance of the competition as Liverpool's most realistic chance of silverware this season.
Brighton's Missed Opportunities
For Brighton, this defeat compounded manager Fabian Hurzeler's problems following their giant-killing victory over Manchester United in the previous round. The Seagulls had opportunities either side of halftime, with Alisson making crucial saves from Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk's header.
Alisson's performance represented a redemptive return to Anfield after his error against Manchester City, justifying Slot's decision to select him over Giorgi Mamardashvili. Brighton's traveling supporters offered no dissent this time, but the defeat leaves Hurzeler without a cup run to deflect from Premier League underachievement.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool's victory extends their impressive run to just two defeats in eighteen outings across all competitions. After the frustration of last week's loss to Manchester City, they have responded emphatically with consecutive victories over Sunderland and Brighton.
The makeshift right-back situation that has characterized Liverpool's season continues to yield unexpected productivity. Szoboszlai has now scored spectacular free kicks against both Arsenal and City when deployed as a defender, while Jones ended his lengthy drought despite being stationed further from goal than usual.
As Salah received a standing ovation when substituted in the second half, the healing process appeared well underway. Whatever the summer holds for the Egyptian superstar, Liverpool can enjoy the immediate sight of him looking irrepressible once more, with the FA Cup providing a platform for redemption and potential glory.
