Liverpool delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on a clear, brisk Saturday night at Anfield to advance into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
This wasn’t your typical Liverpool team the supporters are growing accustomed to seeing this season. And that’s a good thing.
While a Premier League title is well out of reach, Slot's side looks poised to go deep in the FA Cup if they can build on this performance and carry this momentum throughout the rest of the season.
Though Brighton outshot Liverpool 17-13, the shots were rarely threatening and Becker was required to only make 3 saves.
While a Premier League title is well [out of reach](https://rushthekop.com/how-the-reds-stayed-in-the-hunt-for-a-top-5-league-finish-01kh98mmvfec), Slot's side looks poised to go deep in the FA Cup if they can build on this performance and carry this momentum throughout the rest of the season.
Overall, this FA Cup win highlighted Liverpool's depth and quality as several players had standout showings. Who were the best three?
**Dominik Szoboszlai**
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Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool's top three performers this season, and a strong case can be made that he’s neither number 2 nor 3.
His composure and world-class technical ability were simply too much for the lackluster Brighton defense throughout the match.
In the 35th minute, he demonstrated his dead-ball expertise by whipping in a perfect cross from the left flank to Cody Gakpo, who headed home—only for the goal to be disallowed, albeit late, for offside.
A few minutes earlier, the Hungarian captain had threaded a spectacular long ball to Salah, splitting the Brighton defense and highlighting his range of passing.
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round | Liverpool FC/GettyImages
And just 11 minutes into the second half, Szoboszlai capped off his stellar night with a goal of his own when Curtis Jones caught the [Brighton](https://rushthekop.com/saturday-s-fa-cup-clash-with-brighton-should-feel-must-win-for-liverpool) defense napping and found Salah down the right – the Egyptian King didn’t miss a beat, setting up Szoboszlai with a melodic no-doubter pass 35-year-old goaltender Jason Steele to extend the lead to 2-0.
The weighted pass from Mo Salah was absolutely sensational. Szoboszlai is proving to be indispensable in Arne Slot's system.
**Milos Kerkez**
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Kerkez, the dynamic left-back, was in proper form Saturday night. He contributed nice strikes on goal and was splendid on the ball.
A highlight came when he dribbled past multiple Brighton defenders with jaw-dropping footwork, leaving them sliding aimlessly on the turf—though the move was halted by an offside flag.
Kerkez's moment of the match arrived late in the first half. His perfectly positioned cross found Curtis Jones, allowing the midfielder to slot home the opener for his third goal of the season across all competitions.
This assist showed Kerkez's growing influence since joining Liverpool, providing balance on the left and adding an extra dimension to the Reds' offensive play.
Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup - Fourth Round - Anfield | Peter Byrne - PA Images/GettyImages
**Mohamed Salah**
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Salah's movement caused Brighton's defense fits all match long. Following his assist for Szoboszlai's goal, the 33-year-old forward capped a solid individual display by providing an insurance goal for the Reds.
In the 68th minute, Salah showcased his flair: a quick turn to shrug off Jan Paul van Hecke, and close control to draw the foul and win a penalty.
He zipped the penalty kick to the left of Steele, making the score 3-0. This marked Salah's third goal contribution in his last two games, signaling a timely return to form amid Liverpool's hunt for silverware.
The Egyptian King reigns again as he was named Player of the Match.