Liverpool beat Brighton 3-0 in the FA Cup: Curtis Jones' gamble and Szoboszlai's explosive performance.

Liverpool had a triumphant night at Anfield, beating Brighton 3-0 to advance in the FA Cup. In a match where manager Arne Slot made bold personnel changes, The Kop not only showcased sharp attacking prowess but also demonstrated impressive squad depth against a fierce challenge from the visitors.

Curtis Jones' "Gamble" and His Revival in an Unusual Position

The most surprising decision by manager Arne Slot in this match was moving central midfielder Curtis Jones to right-back. With Conor Bradley absent due to injury, Jones was tested in a completely new position and he repaid the coaching staff's trust perfectly.

Not only did Jones perform his defensive duties well against the speedy runs of Mitoma and Kadioglu, but he also became the key to unlocking the game. His unexpected run into the penalty area in the 42nd minute to score from Kerkez's cross proved that his attacking instincts remain incredibly sharp.

The opening goal was a huge relief for Jones personally, ending a streak of 57 consecutive games without scoring in all competitions since December 2024. This performance showed that Jones can absolutely become a versatile strategic asset for Slot in the upcoming intense period of competition.

Milos Kerkez: The "Drill" that transforms on the left flank.

While Jones made a breakthrough on the right flank, the opposite wing became Milos Kerkez's personal stage. The Hungarian defender proved his worth after his transfer from Bournemouth with a tireless performance, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Kerkez's precise cross tore through Brighton's defense, setting up Jones to break the deadlock. Commentator Paul Robinson said on television: "That was a world-class assist. Kerkez is becoming one of Liverpool's most dangerous attacking threats." This player's resurgence is easing Anfield fans' concerns about the left-back position as Andy Robertson begins to show signs of age.

The perfect combination of Salah and Szoboszlai

Mohamed Salah once again affirmed his position as the heart and soul of The Kop's game. Despite no longer being in his prime, the "Egyptian King" still knew how to decide the match with his star quality, providing a sublime assist for Szoboszlai and a coolly taken penalty to seal the 3-0 victory.

Notably, Dominik Szoboszlai also had a brilliant game. The Hungarian midfielder's decisive shot not only brought his total goals this season to 10 but also demonstrated excellent chemistry with Salah. After the match, Salah lavished praise on his younger teammate, stating that Szoboszlai is currently one of the best players in the world.

Alisson Becker's unsung hero and the crisis at Brighton.

Despite the 3-0 scoreline, the match was far from easy for Liverpool's defense. Brighton's expected goals (xG) of 1.22 showed that the visitors created several clear-cut chances. However, Alisson Becker's brilliance, with at least two crucial saves against Van Hecke and Diego Gomez, kept the home side's advantage.

In contrast to Liverpool's joy, Brighton are sinking deeper into crisis under manager Hurzeler. This defeat officially eliminated the "Seagulls" from both domestic cup competitions and they are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. If they don't soon improve their defensive weaknesses, the German strategist's position at the Amex Stadium will become more precarious than ever.

Overall, this convincing victory helps Arne Slot's team maintain their unbeaten run at Anfield in the FA Cup and provides a huge boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest.