Tag: Cody Gakpo

Wirtz Thought VAR Would Overturn Equaliser as Liverpool Settle for 2-2 at Fulham

Florian Wirtz
January 2026

Florian Wirtz said he was convinced his goal would be ruled offside after a long VAR check in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Fulham. The match swung late when Harrison Reed scored in stoppage time to deny Liverpool victory. Wirtz did not celebrate because he expected an offside call, while commentary later focused on the Premier League’s tolerance band within semi-automated offside, which can allow marginal decisions to stand. Carragher questioned how the goal was given.

Slot Rages at Non-Penalty in Leeds Draw and Says Liverpool Must Stay “Who We Are”

Arne Slot
January 2026

Arne Slot criticised refereeing after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Leeds, arguing Hugo Ekitike was denied a penalty because he stayed on his feet. Slot said Liverpool must keep their identity while pointing to what he views as a pattern of softer penalties being given against them. Slot cited multiple incidents this season where Liverpool did not receive spot-kicks after contact, while conceding penalties for minimal contact. He argued this dynamic influences players to stay upright, making it harder for referees and VAR to award penalties.

Slot expects Isak back this season despite fractured fibula

Alexander Isak
December 2025

Record signing Alexander Isak fractured his fibula and damaged his ankle while scoring in Liverpool’s win over nine-man Spurs, capping a turbulent start to life at Anfield following a disrupted pre-season and just as he seemed to be regaining sharpness from the bench. Slot condemned Van de Ven’s “reckless” tackle, arguing it would cause serious injury most times, and confirmed surgery plus “a couple of months” out but insisted Isak will still feature later this season, even as Liverpool also cope with Salah at AFCON, Szoboszlai’s suspension and fitness doubts over Bradley and Gakpo.

Liverpool lose Gakpo for weeks as Chiesa illness deepens Inter selection headache

Cody Gakpo
December 2025

Arne Slot has confirmed that Cody Gakpo will miss several weeks and Federico Chiesa will sit out Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan through illness, compounding the decision to leave Mohamed Salah at home amid escalating tension around the forward’s future. Slot said Gakpo’s problem was sustained against Leeds and rules out one of his productive league attackers, while Chiesa’s poorly timed sickness further reduces width as Liverpool travel without Salah, whose public criticism of the club has overshadowed Alisson’s focus on Inter’s impressive form.

Slot brands Brentford loss Liverpool’s worst of the streak

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
October 2025

Slot decried basics and duels lost as Liverpool slumped to a fourth successive league defeat, slipping to sixth. He bemoaned two calls: a denied Gakpo penalty before Brentford’s second, and a VAR penalty against Van Dijk converted by Thiago. Goals from Ouattara, Schade, Kerkez and Salah framed a chaotic setback that further dents the champions’ title defence.

Liverpool’s star attack draws PSG-era comparison as cohesion lags

Liverpool
October 2025

Despite £240m outlay on Isak and Wirtz, Liverpool’s frontline has sputtered. Salah was benched in key away UCL ties; Isak owns one Carabao Cup goal and Wirtz awaits his first, raising questions whether the squad is a coherent unit or a collection of stars. Early results leaned on late winners and set pieces while open-play chance conversion lagged. Slot’s rotations and role clarity for Wirtz/Isak are under scrutiny; the analogy to PSG’s galáctico imbalance underscores the need for pressing cohesion, defined zones, and repeatable patterns in the final third.

Cody Gakpo makes Dutch history with double penalty in win over Malta

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
October 2025

Gakpo became the first Netherlands player since Rob Rensenbrink in 1978 to score two penalties in one match, leading the Oranje to a 4-0 victory over Malta in World Cup qualifying. He scored twice from the spot and assisted Tijjani Reijnders.
Gakpo’s composure and creativity defined the match as he created four chances and controlled attacking play. His brace underlined his growth as a reliable international performer, reinforcing his form for Liverpool and importance to Ronald Koeman’s rejuvenated Dutch side.

Bayern Eye Gakpo but Prioritize Mitoma or Leão

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
May 2025

Bayern Munich have added Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo to their transfer shortlist but are prioritizing Kaoru Mitoma or Rafael Leão first. Liverpool are open to selling if the right offer comes.
Gakpo, 26, has been pivotal under Arne Slot with 49 appearances this season, but Bayern’s first targets remain Brighton’s Mitoma and Milan’s Leão before considering Gakpo.

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