Liverpool’s FA Cup journey is alive and well, with the Reds delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield on February 14, 2026. In a season that’s been anything but straightforward, Arne Slot’s side found their groove under the floodlights, booking their spot in the fifth round and offering supporters a much-needed dose of optimism.
It’s not been a smooth ride for Liverpool this year—tragedy struck with the passing of Diogo Jota, and inconsistent league form has left the club sitting sixth in the Premier League. Yet, on this night, they looked every bit the cup contenders, blending youthful energy, veteran poise, and moments of pure class. The FA Cup now stands as a genuine chance for silverware, and the team’s performance against Brighton was a timely reminder of their potential.
The match began with Liverpool on the front foot. Florian Wirtz nearly gave the home side an early lead, his sharp movement causing problems for Brighton’s defense right from the off. Brighton, though, weren’t content to sit back. The visitors looked to press and probe, and for a moment, it seemed they’d snatched the advantage when Milos Kerkez put the ball in the net—only for the goal to be ruled out. The disallowed strike was a warning sign, but Liverpool responded with authority.
As the first half wore on, Liverpool’s dominance became clear. Cody Gakpo also saw a goal chalked off, but the Reds kept their composure. The breakthrough finally came close to half-time. Curtis Jones, always lively in midfield, found himself in the right place at the right time, finishing smartly to put Liverpool ahead. Brighton had their moments, but Alisson Becker was on hand with a crucial save to preserve the slender lead as the teams headed into the break.
“It was pressure for sure, but I’m glad we managed to win the game today. It was very big for the confidence,” Mohamed Salah reflected to TNT Sports after the match, speaking about the night’s significance and his own contribution.
If the first half was about patience and persistence, the second was all about flair and finishing. Just minutes after the restart, Liverpool struck again. Salah, ever the orchestrator, produced a touch of magic to set up Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder, fresh from a one-game suspension following a red card against Manchester City, made a turbocharged run to latch onto Salah’s deft knockdown, then slammed the ball past Brighton keeper Jason Steele. The Anfield crowd erupted—Szoboszlai’s 10th goal of the season and his fifth in the last eight matches. His form has been nothing short of sensational.
“I think a cup run depends on his performances. We rely on him so much. This season he is one of the best players in the world,” Salah said, heaping praise on his teammate. It’s one thing for fans and pundits to sing a player’s praises, but when it comes from Salah—one of the planet’s most respected forwards—it carries extra weight.
Szoboszlai’s numbers against Brighton underscore his growing influence. He completed 47 out of 48 passes (a remarkable 98% accuracy), won four out of eight duels, delivered four accurate long balls, made two clearances, produced two key passes, and completed a successful dribble. Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo summed it up: “Sharp and mobile. Pressed like he meant it and took his goal superbly. What a player he has become for Slot.”
Brighton tried to fight back, but Liverpool’s defense held firm. Alisson, ever reliable, made another big save soon after the interval, ensuring the visitors couldn’t claw their way back into the contest. Liverpool’s attacking intent never waned, and the pressure paid off again midway through the second half.
In the 65th minute, Salah was brought down in the penalty area—a clear foul, and the referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot. The Egyptian stepped up, cool as you like, and dispatched the penalty with authority. That goal not only sealed the win but also highlighted Salah’s enduring nerve and leadership in big moments.
There was still time for more drama. Substitute Rio Ngumoha thought he’d added a fourth, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside. Brighton had their own flashes of danger, but ultimately, Arne Slot’s men were in complete control. The final whistle brought relief and celebration, as Liverpool’s place in the fifth round was confirmed.
For Szoboszlai, this match was another feather in his cap. The former RB Leipzig star has quickly become indispensable for Liverpool, excelling wherever he’s deployed. His versatility and consistency have made him a pillar of Slot’s side during a campaign marked by setbacks and uncertainty. Coming off a suspension, he didn’t miss a beat—his confidence and energy were infectious.
Liverpool’s victory over Brighton is more than just a passage to the next round. It’s a signal that, despite the turbulence of the season, the Reds have the quality and character to compete on multiple fronts. They remain alive in the Champions League and, with this FA Cup run, have a real shot at lifting silverware.
As the fifth round draw looms, the question now is whether Liverpool can maintain this momentum. The Premier League remains a tough battleground, but performances like this—full of attacking verve, defensive solidity, and individual brilliance—suggest the Reds aren’t done yet. The team’s blend of emerging talents and experienced stars could make them a force to be reckoned with as the business end of the season approaches.
Arne Slot, in his debut campaign at the helm, has had to navigate choppy waters. The loss of Diogo Jota was a gut punch, and the club’s inconsistency has been a source of frustration. Yet, nights like this remind everyone at Anfield what’s possible when the team clicks. The FA Cup now glimmers with promise, and with players like Szoboszlai and Salah in this kind of form, who’s to say how far Liverpool can go?
With the fifth round draw set and Liverpool’s name firmly in the hat, the focus shifts to the challenges ahead. The Reds’ faithful will be hoping this victory marks the start of a memorable cup run—one that could yet define their season.