Liverpool secured their passage into the FA Cup fifth round with a convincing 3-0 triumph against Brighton at Anfield on Saturday evening.
Curtis Jones broke the deadlock before half-time, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah adding further goals after the interval to seal a comfortable victory for Arne Slot’s side.
The Reds will learn their next opponents when the fifth-round draw takes place on Monday night.
Brighton had started brightly and dominated possession in the opening exchanges, but Liverpool’s clinical finishing proved decisive as they dispatched the Seagulls without significant alarm on home soil.
The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute when Jones found the net with a deft finish.
Milos Kerkez delivered an outstanding cross from the left flank, placing the ball perfectly into a dangerous area between goalkeeper and defenders.
Jones timed his run into the six-yard box expertly, meeting the delivery first time with a cushioned effort that struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.
Liverpool had threatened earlier, with a Gakpo header ruled out for offside and Jones himself going close with a deflected effort from distance that narrowly missed the target.
Liverpool secured their passage into the FA Cup fifth round with a convincing 3-0 triumph against Brighton at Anfield on Saturday evening
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Alisson was required to make an important save just before the break to preserve the lead.
The second goal arrived shortly after the restart and showcased Liverpool at their fluid best.
Cody Gakpo initiated the move from the left side of halfway, cutting inside before picking out Salah on the opposite flank with a precise diagonal pass.
The Egyptian winger controlled the ball expertly and laid it off with a delicate first-time touch into the path of the onrushing Szoboszlai.
Mohamed Salah added further goals after the interval to seal a comfortable victory for Arne Slot’s side
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The Hungarian midfielder had timed his run into the penalty area perfectly and rifled an unstoppable shot into the top corner to double the advantage.
It was another spectacular strike to add to Szoboszlai’s growing collection this campaign.
Salah completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after winning the foul himself.
The Egyptian forward produced a moment of brilliance on the right wing, bringing the ball under control before spinning away from Kadioglu and driving into the box.
The Reds will discover their next opponents when the fifth round draw takes place on Monday night
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Pascal Gross brought him down as he cut inside, leaving the referee with little choice but to point to the spot.
Salah stepped up and dispatched an emphatic finish into the top corner, giving Steele no chance despite the goalkeeper diving the correct way.
The goal was Salah’s 262nd in Liverpool colours, further cementing his legendary status at the club.
