HT Report: Curtis Jones Gives Reds A Deserved 1-0 Lead At The Half

Anfield, February 14, 2026 – Liverpool vs Brighton, FA Cup Fourth Round

Liverpool hold a 1-0 lead over Brighton at half-time in their FA Cup fourth-round clash at Anfield, courtesy of a well-taken goal from Curtis Jones. The Reds dominated possession and chances, fully meriting their advantage against a resilient Seagulls side.[1][2][3][9]

The match kicked off at 8:00 PM GMT, with Arne Slot opting for four changes to his lineup, handing a start to Curtis Jones in midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. The backline featured Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté at center-back, with Milos Kerkez at left-back. Up front, Mohamed Salah, Federico Chiesa, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo provided attacking threat.[2][3][9]

Early action saw Brighton test Liverpool: in the 2nd minute, Ferdi Kadioglu's right-footed shot from the left side of the box was blocked.[2] Liverpool responded aggressively. By the 11th minute, Salah's left-footed effort from a tight angle on the right, assisted by Szoboszlai, was also blocked.[3] A brief scare came at the 12th minute when Kerkez was flagged offside,[3] followed by a handball call against Gakpo in the 14th minute

The breakthrough arrived midway through the half as Curtis Jones latched onto a precise through-ball, slotting home coolly past Brighton's goalkeeper to send Anfield into raptures. Liverpool's high pressing and fluid play overwhelmed Brighton's defense, who were missing key players like Adam Webster, Solly March, and Yasin Ayari due to injury. Mats Wieffer returned for the visitors, but James Milner, facing his former club, was on the bench.[1]

Brighton, under pressure from manager Fabian Hürzeler's recent scrutiny, showed fight but struggled for clear chances. Liverpool's injury woes continued with Wataru Endo sidelined long-term, but youth prospects like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni lurked on the bench.[1] The Reds enter the break in control, eyeing a strong second-half push to advance in the FA Cup.

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