Liverpool beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 at Anfield on Saturday, February 14, 2026, to advance to the FA Cup fifth round, with goals from Curtis Jones (42'), Dominik Szoboszlai (56') and Mohamed Salah (68' pen). The victory was notable for its timing, coming as Liverpool seek momentum under Arne Slot, and for Salah's influential return to form on a night when Brighton created opportunities but failed to convert.
Match overview
Liverpool controlled large phases of the game without monopolizing possession, defending solidly and striking decisively when chances arrived. Curtis Jones broke the deadlock just before half time, converting a close-range finish from a Milos Kerkez cross, which gave the hosts a lead they would not relinquish. Szoboszlai doubled the advantage with a first-time volley from a move that underlined Liverpool's pace on the counter, and Salah sealed the tie from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box.
From Brighton's point of view, the scoreboard did not reflect the number of meaningful openings they fashioned, including a near miss from Jack Hinshelwood and a dangerous moment when Diego Gómez charged down an Alisson clearance. The visitors' inability to finish, combined with a couple of decisive saves from Liverpool's goalkeeper, proved the difference.
Key moments
- 42' Curtis Jones, close-range finish, Anfield erupts. This was Jones' first senior goal in over a year, and it arrived at a crucial moment before half time.
- 56' Dominik Szoboszlai, thunderous first-time strike, a well-timed counter completion that showcased Liverpool's forward rhythm.
- 68' Mohamed Salah (pen), converted confidently after being fouled in the box, finishing off the tie and easing pressure on the home side.
Liverpool's win combined clinical finishing, timely defending, and experienced game management to remove any lingering doubts about their FA Cup ambitions.
Tactical analysis
Formations and selection
```
Liverpool (approx): 4 2 3 1
Alisson
Kerkez, Konaté, Van Dijk, [right side/full-back role filled by Curtis Jones in a staggered setup]
Szoboszlai, Mac Allister
Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo
Chiesa
Brighton (approx): 4 3 3
Steele
Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu
Hinshelwood, Baleba, Gross
Gomez, Kostoulas, Minteh
```
Slot selected a strong XI for the cup tie, signaling intent to progress, while Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler fielded a side that looked to press and move the ball quickly, but struggled to turn control into goals.
How the game was won and lost
- Liverpool struck in transitional moments, exploiting space behind Brighton's midfield when the visitors committed numbers forward.
- Defensively, Liverpool were compact in central areas, with important interventions from their backline and goalkeeper that kept Brighton out despite their shots and set-piece pressure.
- Brighton lacked the cutting edge in the final third, missing one-on-one chances and failing to test Alisson frequently enough.
Standout performers
- Mohamed Salah, influential across the final third, provided an assist and scored from the spot, a timely boost to his confidence as the campaign enters its decisive months.
- Dominik Szoboszlai, dynamic and ruthless, his goal was a reminder of his current scoring run and technical quality from distance.
- Curtis Jones, returned to the scoresheet in a moment of impact, offering a versatile option for Slot given squad availability issues at full-back.
- Alisson, two important saves kept the clean sheet and gave Liverpool the breathing room to control late stages.
Match statistics (selected)
Metric | Liverpool | Brighton |
|---|---|---|
Final score | 3 | 0 |
Possession | 48% | 52% |
Shots (total) | 13 | 12 |
Shots on target | 5 | 2 |
Corners | 5 | 2 |
Saves | 2 | 2 |
Yellow cards | 0 | 4 |
Key statistic: Liverpool's five shots on target proved more decisive than Brighton's higher share of possession.
Multiple viewpoints
- From Liverpool's perspective, the result is a clear sign that the squad can deliver when the stakes rise, with senior figures stepping up and younger players contributing. The manager's decision to pick a near-first-choice side emphasized the FA Cup's importance to the club this season.
- For Brighton, the narrative centers on missed opportunities and a lack of clinical finishing. The visitors created clear chances yet came away scoreless, a pattern that raises questions about attacking precision and decision making in the final third.
- Neutral observers and pundits will see the match as an example of contrasting approaches: Brighton's ball progression and positional play, against Liverpool's efficient counter and decisive finishing. Both sides can draw learning points, though the scoreboard benefits Liverpool most.
Reaction and implications
Liverpool progress to the FA Cup fifth round, which eases pressure on their cup ambitions while giving Arne Slot a tangible result to build momentum. The win also provides match time for players returning to form, and it buys the manager room to manage rotations in upcoming fixtures.
Brighton must regroup quickly in league play, addressing the conversion rate and psychological resilience required when a match ebbs and flows without reward. The defeat will prompt tactical review and likely a focus on finishing drills in training.
What comes next
- Liverpool head into the fifth round with renewed confidence, and will need to balance cup commitments with Premier League fixtures in the weeks ahead.
- Brighton return to league action, and will be eager to translate their chance creation into points to steady their campaign and quiet any growing criticism.
Final takeaways
Liverpool's 3-0 win over Brighton was convincing in scoreline and timely in context, a night that showcased individual quality, smart game management, and a clinical edge in the final third. Brighton left with more questions than answers about finishing, but with signs that, when the final ball is right, they can test top-level defenses.
By David Anderson, veteran football correspondent with 25 years of experience.