Liverpool star sends message to Arne Slot with Brighton performance | OneFootball

Szoboszlai Brilliance Sends Liverpool Past Brighton In FA Cup Push

Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a composed 3-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, a performance defined by Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning strike and Arne Slot’s increasingly clear commitment to silverware in his first season on Merseyside.

According to reporting from The Athletic by James Pearce and Dan Sheldon, Liverpool reached this stage of the FA Cup for only the fourth time in 11 seasons, a reminder of how rarely the competition has been prioritised during the club’s recent Premier League-centric era. This time felt different.

Curtis Jones opened the scoring late in the first half, Szoboszlai added a remarkable team goal after the break, and Mohamed Salah sealed victory from the penalty spot. Yet the wider story was about intent, structure and opportunity for Liverpool as Slot navigates a season in which domestic cup success now carries genuine weight.

Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool, UK – 14 Feb 2026 Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool scores a goal during the Emirates FA Cup match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield, Liverpool on 14 February 2026 Liverpool Anfield Liverpool England Copyright: xHarryxCornish/PPAUKx PPA-248563

Slot Signals Intent In FA Cup Campaign

Liverpool’s line-up against Brighton told its own story. With only a couple of regular starters rested, Slot resisted the temptation to rotate heavily, unlike last season’s shock FA Cup exit against Plymouth Argyle with a shadow side.

With the Premier League title race slipping away, Liverpool’s FA Cup run suddenly looks significant. Slot has made clear in recent weeks that priorities can shift as seasons evolve, and his selection choices suggest he views this competition as a realistic chance for silverware.

There were encouraging signs beyond the scoreline. Back-to-back clean sheets — something Liverpool had struggled to produce since December — offered defensive reassurance. Salah’s goal and assist hinted at renewed sharpness following his Africa Cup of Nations return.

For a squad still adapting to Slot’s positional play system, momentum matters. This victory over Brighton under Fabian Hürzeler provided exactly that.

Szoboszlai Strike Showcases Liverpool Fluidity

Liverpool’s second goal, finished emphatically by Szoboszlai, was the highlight of the tie and perhaps one of the FA Cup weekend’s standout moments.

It began with Cody Gakpo’s awareness at halfway, Milos Kerkez overlapping to create space, and Salah producing a perfectly weighted touch into Szoboszlai’s path. The Hungarian midfielder struck first time into the top corner, leaving Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele helpless.

For Liverpool’s tactical evolution under Slot, this was instructive. The move combined positional discipline, wide overloads and central penetration — hallmarks of Slot’s philosophy at Feyenoord and now increasingly visible at Anfield.

Szoboszlai has had an uneven season by his high standards, often balancing pressing demands with creative duties. But moments like this underline why Liverpool invested heavily in his talent.

Jones And Kerkez Provide Depth Boost

Curtis Jones’ opener carried personal significance. The academy graduate, whose future has attracted speculation after interest from Inter, ended a 57-game goal drought and impressed in an unfamiliar right-back role during Liverpool’s ongoing injury crisis.

Jones linked well with Salah and drifted intelligently into midfield zones, offering the calm ball progression Slot values. With his contract running until 2027, Liverpool will want clarity soon, but performances like this strengthen his case.

Milos Kerkez also impressed. Signed for £40 million from Bournemouth, the left-back’s delivery created the opening goal and his recent run suggests he is settling into Liverpool’s tactical demands. Improved defensive composure alongside attacking intent hints at long-term value.

For Liverpool’s squad depth — something you’ve tracked closely for your LFC/FOOTY ART pieces and value-bet trackers — this matters. Rotation options who can deliver in cup ties may prove decisive if Liverpool chase FA Cup success.

Brighton Test Shows Liverpool Progress

Brighton began the second half brightly but were undone by Liverpool’s clinical edge. Their possession play under Hürzeler remains attractive, yet Liverpool’s defensive structure held firm.

From a data perspective, Liverpool controlled big chances and transitions — something worth checking against FotMob or Understat numbers for your next YouTube breakdown. Clean sheets plus efficient finishing suggest Slot’s side are rediscovering balance.

With Sunderland already beaten in midweek league action and Brighton dispatched here, Liverpool are building momentum at a crucial point in the season.

For Slot, the message is simple: cups offer opportunity. For Szoboszlai, moments like this remind everyone of his match-winning quality. For Liverpool, the FA Cup may yet define their season.