Liverpool's FA Cup Fifth Round Draw Details and Brighton Match Reaction After 'Commanding' Win

Liverpool FC delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round at Anfield on February 14, 2026, securing their place in the fifth round draw scheduled for Monday night[1][2][3].

Curtis Jones opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with his first goal in over a year—his 58th appearance since netting against Leicester on Boxing Day 2024—expertly volleying home Milos Kerkez's whipped cross from the left flank into the roof of the net[1][2][4]. Despite playing out of position at right-back amid Liverpool's injury woes, the academy graduate ghosted into the box to break the deadlock[2][4].

A Cody Gakpo header from Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick was ruled out for offside in the 36th minute, and Kerkez forced a save from Jason Steele shortly before the opener[1]. Brighton threatened an equalizer, with Jack Hinshelwood heading over from a corner and Alisson Becker denying Diego Gomez at point-blank range[1][4]. Early in the second half, Alisson clawed away Lewis Dunk's header after a free-kick, preventing a tap-in by Jan Paul van Hecke[1][4].

Liverpool doubled their lead soon after through Szoboszlai's fifth goal in eight matches—a first-time strike following a precise Gakpo switch and Mohamed Salah assist[1][2]. Salah then sealed the win from the penalty spot, his second goal since November 1 and seventh of the season, after winning and converting a spot-kick against Pascal Gross[2][4]. The Egyptian celebrated passionately in front of the Kop, signaling improved form post-Africa Cup of Nations and tensions with head coach Arne Slot[2].

Arne Slot made four changes, reinstating Szoboszlai from suspension alongside Jones, Kerkez, and Federico Chiesa; nine first-choice players featured despite midweek exertions against Sunderland[1][4][5]. Alisson's saves preserved a clean sheet, contrasting last year's early exit to Plymouth[4]. Fans and pundits hailed the resounding performance, with anticipation building for the fifth-round opponents[3][7].

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