WATCH: Handball? Elliott fires Liverpool in front vs Brighton following VAR check on Keita

• Reds took the lead at the Amex Stadium
• Smart finish from youngster
• Questions asked of build-up play

WHAT HAPPENED? The Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat during their last visit to the Amex Stadium, but found themselves in front on the half-hour mark when being reunited with the Seagulls as Mohamed Salah teed up Elliott to fire a smart finish across Jason Steele and into the bottom corner. Questions where, however, asked of the build-up play that led to the goal, with checks made on whether Naby Keita had deliberately handled when winning possession in the middle of the park.

Harvey Elliott just delivers in the #EmiratesFACup 😍#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/TDtISryxYK

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 29, 2023

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Those in the VAR booth decided that there was no reason to pull play back following Keita’s involvement, with Elliott’s goal allowed to stand – as his fine form in the FA Cup during the 2022-23 campaign continues.

WHAT NEXT? While Liverpool were able to get their noses in front, Brighton levelled before half-time when Tariq Lamptey fired in an ambitious effort from distance that flicked into the back of the net off Lewis Dunk.