Liverpool advanced into the FA Cup fifth round as they delivered a comprehensive 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.
Curtis Jones opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half before a Dominik Szoboszlai strike and Mo Salah penalty ensured victory against their Premier League rivals. Substitute Rio Ngumoha was wrongly denied a late goal for offside to make the triumph more emphatic.
Match report
The opening 35 minutes was largely uneventful before Cody Gakpo had a header disallowed for offside for Liverpool. But that sparked the home side into life and three minutes later, Milos Kerkez had a well-struck shot saved by Brighton keeper Jason Steele.
On 42 minutes, the Reds engineered the breakthrough when Kerkez’s excellent cross picked out Jones, who deftly finished from close range. But in stoppage-time, Jones almost turned hero to villain when his slip allowed Diego Gomez in on goal, but a combination of good pressure from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and a save from goalkeeper Alisson Becker ensured that Slot’s men went into the break ahead.
Alisson had to make another decent stop early in the second period when he beat away Lewis Dunk’s header across the box. The next goal was going to be crucial - and it went Liverpool’s way. In the 56th minute, with one fell swoop, Salah’s perfect first-time pass picked out the run of Szoboszlai, who hammered into the far corner.
And 12 minutes later, the tie was put to bed. Salah outmuscled Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu before he was wrestled to the ground by Pascal Gross in the Seagulls’ box. A penalty was awarded and Salah stepped up to finish with aplomb.
Liverpool should have had a a fourth goal in the closing stages when Gakpo burst his way beyond Brighton’s defence and found Ngumoha, with the 17-year-old finding the far corner with confidence. Ngumoha was flagged offside although replays showed he was in a legal position, but VAR is not utilised in the FA Cup until the next round.
There were cheers at the full-time whistle from the home faithful as Liverpool booked their spot in Monday’s draw - and aspirations of silverware this season very much still alive.
Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton
9. Florian Wirtz - 6
Couldn't really get into the first half. Had more joy in the second half, dancing his way into the box having a shot blocked before being subbed in the 70th minute. | Getty Images
10. Cody Gakpo - 7
Rightly had a goal disallowed for offside. Won a couple of free-kicks in the first half but didn't capitalise on some threatening situations. Seemed to play with more purpose after the break, though, sending over a superb crossfield pass for Salah to tee-up Szoboszlai. Shifted to the right flank in the closing stages and should have had an assist when picking out Ngumoha. Subbed in the closing stages. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
11. Federico Chiesa - 5
Couldn't provide a focal point and had one shot easily dealt with in the first half. Looked a yard off the pace after the break and tired, so it was no surprised when he was subbed in the 77th minute. | Getty Images
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12. Sub 1 - Joe Gomez - 6
Helped see the game out. | Getty Images