Mohamed Salah's Gesture to Liverpool Crowd Telling Amid Odd Season

In a dominant 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Brighton at Anfield on February 14, 2026, Mohamed Salah delivered a performance that reignited fan hopes amid Liverpool's challenging season, capping it with his signature salute to the Kop end.[1][3][4]

Curtis Jones opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, deputizing at right-back due to injuries. He tapped home after a brilliant pass from a teammate, showcasing his value as Liverpool fend off interest from Inter Milan and eye a contract extension.[1][4] Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a stunning strike, finishing a fluid team move initiated by Milos Kerkez's cross-field pass to Salah, who cushioned it perfectly for the Hungarian's rasping shot into the far corner. This marked Szoboszlai's 10th goal of the campaign.[3][4]

Salah sealed the win in the 68th minute, winning and converting a penalty after being fouled by Pascal Gross, firing into the top-right corner—his first domestic goal since November. Heavily involved throughout, Salah also assisted Szoboszlai, achieving the rare feat (third time in 428 Liverpool appearances) of scoring, assisting, and winning a penalty in one match.[3][4] As he was substituted late for prodigy Rio Ngumoha, Salah received a standing ovation and performed his customary celebratory gesture to the adoring Kop crowd, a tradition spanning nearly nine years that Anfield faithful never tire of.[4]

Brighton started brightly but faded, outshooting Liverpool (17-13) yet mustering just 1.22 xG to Liverpool's 1.82. A disallowed Cody Gakpo goal and key saves from Jason Steele kept it close early, but Arne Slot's side cruised into the fifth round, displaying glimpses of past glories despite ongoing questions over Salah's future and the team's "odd" season form.[2][3]

This statement win underscores Salah's enduring impact—his 15th goal-assist game across competitions since last season leads the Premier League—offering optimism as Liverpool navigate injuries and uncertainties.[4]

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