Cody Gakpo continues to prove himself as a reliable force in the Carabao Cup, notching up an impressive eight goals in as many appearances in the tournament. The forward showcased his sharp goal-scoring instincts yet again in Liverpool’s recent clash with Brighton, keeping his impressive run alive and helping secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The first half at the AMEX Stadium was largely uneventful, with few chances and most of the attention focused on Arne Slot’s tactical adjustments. Slot had unveiled a fresh formation that had supporters and analysts alike eager to see how the squad would adapt. But as the second half began, Gakpo quickly redirected the spotlight to himself with a goal that changed the flow of the game.
In typical Gakpo fashion, the 25-year-old opened the scoring with an exceptional finish just minutes into the second half. Then, in less than 20 minutes, he doubled his tally in a way that has become his signature: a powerful drive into the penalty area, brushing aside defensive distractions. As he advanced, Curtis Jones made a supporting run, but Gakpo kept his head down, locked onto the target, and unleashed a ferocious shot at Brighton’s Jason Steele, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The ball rifled into the net, much to the delight of Liverpool fans, who have come to expect such thrilling moments from their No. 18.
Gakpo’s success comes at a critical time, with Liverpool’s attacking options somewhat limited due to injuries. Key players like Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and young talent Jayden Danns have been sidelined, leaving Slot with fewer choices for rotation. Ideally, the Liverpool manager would have wanted to rest Gakpo and give him a breather, considering the packed schedule and recent games. However, with limited choices up front, the 46-year-old coach had to rely on Gakpo once again, giving him yet another opportunity to make his mark.
And Gakpo didn’t disappoint. His determination and clinical finishing demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in high-stakes moments. Over recent weeks, he has established himself as one of Liverpool’s go-to players, and in the Carabao Cup, his performances are nothing short of exceptional. For Gakpo, this tournament has become a personal showcase—a competition where he consistently steps up to deliver when it matters most.
This standout performance not only keeps Liverpool in the race for silverware but also highlights Gakpo’s growing influence within the team. With each game, he solidifies his position as a valuable asset in Slot’s lineup. Despite the manager’s hopes for a more rotated squad, Gakpo’s current form is tough to ignore, and he’s making the case for more game time across competitions.
Liverpool fans can relive the moment of Gakpo’s second goal through the clip shared by @SkyFootball on X, as the Dutch forward’s unstoppable run in the Carabao Cup continues to captivate supporters and draw admiration across the league.
https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1851730094064062920?t=VZkoW8IpstWABiXBokcfKw&s=09
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