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By Goli Innocent
Liverpool F.C. eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., while Manchester City F.C. ended the fairytale run of Salford City F.C. in a 2-0 win.
At Anfield, Mohamed Salah struck to inspire Liverpool’s comfortable progress, as Brighton’s recent slump continued despite their earlier thi United.
Curtis Jones, deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role due to defensive injuries, made the breakthrough when he burst into the box to finish from Milos Kerkez’s cross.
Salah, who has struggled for rhythm for much of the campaign, found his spark in the second half. The Egyptian set up Dominik Szoboszlai with a cushioned pass for Liverpool’s second before converting from the penalty spot for his 252nd goal for the Reds a contribution that could mark a turning point in his season.
At the Etihad, League Two side Salford owned by Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville were featuring in the fourth round for the first time in their history.
After suffering an 8-0 humiliation against City at the same stage last season, Salford showed greater resolve this time, frustrating Pep Guardiola’s men for long spells.
City’s breakthrough came via an Alfie Dorrington own goal, but the contest remained tense until England defender Marc Guehi sealed victory late on with his first goal since joining from Crystal Palace in January.
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“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 admitted.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United F.C. came from behind to defeat Aston Villa F.C. 3-1, despite a controversial moment that could have swung the tie.
Villa had taken the lead through Tammy Abraham’s first goal since returning last month. However, the dismissal of goalkeeper Marco Bizot for denying Jacob Murphy a clear goalscoring opportunity shifted the momentum.
With VAR not in operation at this stage, a contentious decision saw Lucas Digne’s apparent handball inside the box awarded as a free-kick rather than a penalty. Former England captain Wayne Rooney described it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen!”
Sandro Tonali scored twice to complete Newcastle’s turnaround, while Nick Woltemade added a third to send the Magpies FA Cup winners in 1955 into the last 16.
The shock of the day came at Turf Moor, where third-tier Mansfield stunned Burnley F.C. 2-1 to reach the fifth round for the first time since 1975. Burnley boss Scott Parker’s decision to make nine changes backfired as Rhys Oates and Louis Reed overturned Josh Laurent’s opener.
Meanwhile, ten-man West Ham United F.C. edged past Burton Albion 1-0 after extra-time, courtesy of an in-form Crysencio Summerville strike.
With heavyweights progressing and lower-league drama unfolding, this season’s FA Cup continues to deliver its familiar blend of dominance and unpredictability.
