Despite freezing conditions, fans came away from Anfield in good humour after seeing Liverpool beat Brighton 3-0, a mood they transmitted to the pitch.
For once, fans enjoyed a comfortable win at Anfield, as Dominik Szoboszlai‘s strike and Mo Salah‘s penalty made sure of progression, following a Curtis Jones‘ first-half opener.
With the game petering out in a relaxed fashion, the Kop could enjoy the closing stages as smiles spread on faces thanks to a couple of moments that brought amusement in the stands.
Even Brighton‘s supporters, who have watched their team win just one of their last 14 games, brought a few ironic cheers when they strung together a few passes towards the end.
Cody Gakpo plays on the right – well, briefly
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's (L-R) Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with team-mate Cody Gakpo after scoring the first goal during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It has become a running joke this season about how Cody Gakpo refuses to go on his outside, instead cutting inside onto his stronger right foot whenever possible.
There were murmurs of mirth in the stands then, when he was forced to play on the right wing, meaning he would no longer be able to pull off his signature move.
He only played there for 12 minutes, thankfully. On a real note, Gakpo was good on Saturday night despite not featuring among the goal scorers.
Ironic cheers for Calvin Ramsay substitution
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 14, 2026: Liverpool's Calvin Ramsay during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The decision to leave right-back Calvin Ramsay out of the team in recent weeks despite multiple injuries in his position has caused debate among supporters.
Some have become exasperated with the situation, while others can’t understand why the youngster, who has started just one Liverpool match in the last three years, would be near the team.
With just a minute of normal time remaining and the Reds 3-0 up, Slot brought on the 22-year-old.
The Anfield crowd responded with ironic cheers, acknowledging the rather idle conversation around the topic that has been ‘raging’ in the fan news cycle.
Just to add another twist to the story, Ramsay didn’t even go to right-back! He played on the right wing with Joe Gomez behind him.
A seagull among the Brighton support
This is pretty much how it looks: a Brighton supporter stood in the away end watching the game with a full seagull mask on.
Of course, the fan was referencing the team’s nickname, the Seagulls, but this isn’t believed to be something that the supporter does at every game.
We can only assume the phantom seagull was hiding from their partner, having lied about their whereabouts on Valentine’s Day!
Dominik Szoboszlai’s gesture to supporter
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 14, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai gives his shirt to a supporter after the FA Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. The game ended 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Dominik Szoboszlai hasn’t only been Liverpool’s best player this season, but he has also become a leader among the squad.
Following another excellent performance, in which he hit another brilliant strike into the net, Szoboszlai noticed a young fan in the crowd.
The Hungarian spotted the girl and made her day, handing over his match-worn shirt. She could have used it as an extra layer while getting home in the sleet!
Rio Ngumoha’s ‘goal’ – should it have stood?
He may only be 17 years and five months old, but Rio Ngumoha has already shown he has a calm head in front of goal, even under the most heavy of pressure.
His finish in the dying moments at Newcastle was exemplary and he should have had another good goal against Brighton on Saturday.
The left-winger’s strike was ruled out for offside and with no VAR in place, the decision stood. However, upon closer inspection, it appears Ngumoha was just onside.