Liverpool 3-0 Brighton: Mo Salah Stars as Reds Advance in FA Cup

Live coverage from Anfield, FA Cup fourth round – Saturday 14 February 2026

Liverpool secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield, advancing to the fifth round under manager Arne Slot.[1][2] Mo Salah was the standout performer, providing key contributions including the corner for the opener, as the Reds dominated a tie crucial for their remaining silverware hopes amid a faltering Premier League title defense.[1][2]

The match kicked off at 8pm GMT with Liverpool making four changes: Dominik Szoboszlai returned from suspension, Milos Kerkez started in defense, and Federico Chiesa and Curtis Jones were handed starts.[5] The lineup featured Alisson in goal; Van Dijk and Konaté at center-back; Kerkez, Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah, and Chiesa.[3][5] Substitutes included Mamardashvili, Gomez, Ekitike, and others.[5]

Early action saw intensity: at 11', Salah's left-footed shot from a tight angle was blocked after Szoboszlai's assist; 12' offside on Kerkez; 14' handball by Gakpo.[3] The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Virgil van Dijk flicked a header home from Salah's corner, breaking the deadlock.[2] Liverpool then added two more goals to seal progression, with Salah starring throughout.[1]

Brighton, under pressure on manager Fabian Hürzeler, entered off poor form—including losses to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace—and a third-round upset over Manchester United.[2][4] They needed a shock but couldn't upset the eight-time winners, who previously thrashed Barnsley 4-1.[2][6] Viewers watched on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.[2]

Liverpool's win keeps domestic cup dreams alive alongside Champions League pursuits, ending Brighton's hopes.[1][2] (Word count: 298)