Mohamed Salah found the net as Liverpool FC eased into the FA Cup fifth round with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Meanwhile, Marc Guehi scored his maiden goal for Manchester City in a 2-0 triumph against fourth-tier Salford.
Brighton had eliminated Manchester United in the previous round, but their recent dip in form was evident at Anfield as an improving Liverpool side proved too strong.
With several defensive absences forcing tactical adjustments, Curtis Jones started at right-back and made an immediate impact, surging forward to convert Milos Kerkez’s delivery for the opening goal.
Salah, who has struggled for consistency this season, delivered a confidence-boosting display in the second half. The Egyptian forward provided a delicate assist for Dominik Szoboszlai to fire home Liverpool’s second before calmly slotting in his 252nd goal for the club from the penalty spot.
City Overcome Salford Resistance
Salford, owned by former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville, were featuring in the fourth round for the first time in their history.
After suffering an 8-0 defeat to City in last season’s third round, the League Two outfit put up a stronger fight this time around. City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his side lacked sharpness for long spells.
“They defended really well, so tight and we didn’t attack the spaces the way we should. The game was flat until we scored the second goal,” Guardiola said.
City moved ahead early courtesy of an own goal from Alfie Dorrington. However, it was not until nine minutes from time that Guehi sealed the win, scoring his first goal since arriving from Crystal Palace in January.
Newcastle Rally After Red Card Drama
Sandro Tonali struck twice as Newcastle United recovered from an early setback to defeat Aston Villa 3-1.
Villa’s hopes of ending a three-decade trophy drought suffered a blow when goalkeeper Marco Bizot was dismissed in the first half for bringing down Jacob Murphy outside the box and denying a clear scoring opportunity.
Tammy Abraham had earlier put the hosts in front with his first goal since rejoining Villa. But the momentum shifted following the red card, though controversy followed when Lucas Digne’s apparent handball inside the area was awarded as a free-kick rather than a penalty. With VAR not used at this stage of the competition, the call stood.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney criticised the decision, describing it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen!”
Newcastle capitalised regardless, as Tonali’s free-kick deflected past Emi Martinez for the equaliser before the Italian curled in a stunning long-range effort to put the visitors ahead. Nick Woltemade then ended a 15-match goal drought to send Newcastle, FA Cup winners in 1955, into the last 16.
Burnley Rotation Backfires
In one of the day’s biggest surprises, third-tier Mansfield Town defeated Burnley FC 2-1, reaching the fifth round for the first time since 1975.
Burnley manager Scott Parker made nine changes to his starting lineup, a gamble that ultimately proved costly despite Josh Laurent’s early opener.
Rhys Oates headed in the equaliser early in the second half before Louis Reed delivered a superb free-kick with 10 minutes remaining to secure a famous victory.
Elsewhere, 10-man West Ham United progressed after Crysencio Summerville netted in extra time to seal a 1-0 win at League One side Burton.
What you should know
Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Liverpool beat Brighton 3-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
Marc Guehi registered his first Manchester City goal in a 2-0 win over Salford. Newcastle came from behind to defeat Aston Villa 3-1 after a red card shifted momentum, while Mansfield Town stunned Burnley in a 2-1 upset.
West Ham also advanced after extra time, rounding off an action-packed round of FA Cup fixtures.
