'He is one of the best': Mohamed Salah says Liverpool's FA Cup hopes now depend on one man
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Liverpool Rely on Dominik Szoboszlai So Much – Mohamed Salah After Brighton Win
In a commanding 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, Liverpool advanced to the fifth round, with standout performances from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai highlighting the team's renewed potency under Arne Slot.[1][2][3]
The match began cautiously, with Liverpool breaking the deadlock just before halftime. Curtis Jones, filling in at right-back amid an injury crisis, tapped in from close range off a precise cross from Milos Kerkez, marking his first goal since 2024 and underscoring his versatility—drawing interest from Inter Milan while Liverpool push for a contract extension.[1][2][3]
The second half erupted into Liverpool's fluid best. Cody Gakpo sparked a stunning team move from midfield, threading a diagonal pass to Salah on the right flank. The Egyptian star controlled expertly and laid off a sublime first-time touch for Szoboszlai to burst through and rifle home his 10th goal of the season—surpassing his previous best tally from RB Salzburg.[1][2][4] Salah then dazzled, spinning past defenders including Ferdi Kadioglu before being fouled by Pascal Gross in the box. He converted the penalty emphatically into the top corner, his 252nd to 262nd career goal for Liverpool (sources vary slightly), earning a standing ovation upon substitution by teenage prodigy Rio Ngumoha.[1][2][3][4]
Salah's influence extended beyond attack; Slot praised his defensive work-rate, noting it boosted team confidence after a dry spell—his second league-level goal since November.[3][5] This was his 15th goal-and-assist game since last season, far ahead of peers like Saka and Haaland.[1] Despite a flat first half post-Sunderland exertions and league struggles, the win signals hope: unbeaten in 16 of 18 games, with the FA Cup as prime silverware shot.[3][4]
Anfield faithful saluted Salah's Kop ritual, but Szoboszlai's emergence suggests Liverpool's reliance on the Hungarian dynamo grows, per post-match buzz. Fifth-round draw awaits Monday.[2]
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