Liverpool participant rankings vs Brighton: Three 8/10s gentle up Anfield in FA Cup win
Liverpool cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield on Saturday night with goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah
Liverpool cruised to victory over Brighton(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool sailed through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.
Strikes from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot were sufficient for Arne Slot’s men, who are targeting their second FA Cup triumph in four years this campaign. Here, the Daily Star Sport assess the action. Here’s how they performed on the evening as the Reds advanced to the next stage.
Alisson – 7 Produced a crucial save in first-half injury time having been largely inactive, which demonstrates the quality of an elite goalkeeper. Another stop to thwart Dunk was superb in the second half.
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Curtis Jones – 8 Finished his goal brilliantly and scarcely made an error in the unfamiliar position. Switched to midfield for the closing 15 minutes and will be delighted with his evening’s contribution.
Ibrahima Konate – 7 Maintained his solid recent form with another match where he made no mistakes. Appears to be relishing his football again.
Virgil van Dijk – 7 Remained largely unchallenged throughout. Claimed his aerial duels when required and made his interventions when necessary. A second consecutive clean sheet. Commanding.
Milos Kerkez – 8 Thunderous effort late in the first half forced an excellent save and his delivery for the goal was spot-on. Is developing in confidence week by week at Liverpool.
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Dominik Szoboszlai – 8 Returned to his preferred central role and looked sharp and energetic throughout. Harried opponents with real intent and finished his goal brilliantly.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6 Produced a crucial block to deny Koustoulas, who was shaping to shoot in the opening period. Dominated most of his duels and helped drive the home side forward, especially after the interval.
Mohamed Salah – 7 Remained a constant menace throughout proceedings and his delicate lay-off for Szoboszlai’s strike was superb. Tormented the Brighton backline to earn the spot-kick, which he buried emphatically.
Florian Wirtz – 5 Appeared slightly sluggish having been named in a third starting XI within six days. A subdued opening 45 minutes gave way to better things after the break, though this represented a fairly muted display from the Germany star.
Cody Gakpo – 6 Consistently looked to take on the Brighton rearguard and finished his ‘strike’ expertly before seeing the assistant’s flag go up. His through-ball for Salah in the build-up to the second goal was outstanding.
Federico Chiesa – 5 Found it difficult to impose himself centrally and couldn’t find space beyond the Brighton defensive line. Will sense this opportunity slipped through his fingers.
Substitutes:
Joe Gomez – 6 Given extended time from the substitutes’ bench and settled into the right-back role effortlessly. Produced a fine header late on above Mitoma to clear danger. Must maintain his fitness levels now.
Hugo Ekitike – 6 An understated cameo, though that’s hardly problematic given his recent heavy usage. Will benefit from some rest in the coming days.
Rio Ngumoha – 6 Finished off a flowing move with considerable flair before the offside flag was raised. The teenager appears to be an exceptional prospect at just 17.
Calvin Ramsay – N/A Brought on for a rare cameo in the closing stages. Delivered one enticing cross.
Trey Nyoni – N/A The youngster possesses tremendous potential but featured for just a few minutes on this occasion.
