Slot Admits One Moment Should Have Gone Differently During Brighton Victory

By Empire of the Kop Staff | February 15, 2026

Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on his side's commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield, booking their place in the fifth round, but admitted one key referee decision should have gone differently.[1][3][4]

The Reds cruised to a routine win, with goals from Curtis Jones (42'), Dominik Szoboszlai (56'), and Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot (68'). Jones, starting at right-back in a tactical gamble by Slot, ended a 57-match goal drought with an expertly taken half-volley, his first since December 2024 against Leicester. Szoboszlai's strike marked his fifth in eight games and tenth of the season, while Salah converted after being tripped by Pascal Gross.[1][3][4][6]

Slot fielded a strong XI with nine near first-choice players despite injuries and a midweek win at Sunderland, a contrast to last year's early FA Cup exit to Plymouth. Alisson Becker made crucial saves, including from Diego Gómez and Lewis Dunk, redeeming an early error.[4]

In his post-match press conference, Slot praised the team's intensity and development, noting they are "much more able to achieve the levels needed in the Premier League and Champions League." However, he highlighted frustration over a disallowed goal for Brighton's Hugo Ekitike—or possibly Liverpool's sub Rio Ngumoha—deeming the player onside. "There was a referee decision that was not in our favor... he was on side... but we were still able to win 3-0," Slot said, referencing similar issues this season, like against Manchester City.[6]

Slot emphasized resilience: "We have to become that good that we don't rely on decisions going against us." He also discussed Jones' versatility, Szoboszlai's captaincy potential, and injuries, including to a teammate possibly out long-term.[6][5]

The win signals Liverpool's growing settled form under Slot, with Salah sparkling and the squad showing depth despite resting players like Ryan Gravenberch.[2][5]

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