Mohamed Salah returned to top form as Liverpool defeated Brighton with authority.
Two months ago, tension surrounded his role and future at the club.
Now he starts, scores and shapes matches for Arne Slot.
Salah created the second goal with a sublime assist and converted a penalty.
Liverpool FC controlled the tie and advanced comfortably.
Brighton showed effort for Fabian Hürzeler but lacked attacking precision.
Curtis Jones opened the scoring before half-time from close range.
Dominik Szoboszlai added a stunning strike after Salah’s clever touch.
Salah then won and scored the penalty for the third goal.
Slot praised Salah’s defensive work and overall intensity.
He said more players now maintain high performance every three days.
Brighton started confidently and pressed well but created few clear chances.
Alisson Becker made key saves to protect Liverpool’s lead.
Jack Hinshelwood missed a close-range header for the visitors.
Diego Gómez also failed in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Liverpool settled the match with their second goal.
Gakpo’s long pass reached Salah, who redirected it instantly into Szoboszlai’s path.
The midfielder struck first time with power and precision.
Salah later beat Ferdi Kadioglu in the box and drew a foul from Pascal Gross.
He finished the penalty emphatically.
Hürzeler admitted that decisive moments went against his team.
He said Liverpool used their chances while Brighton could not.
