Performances like Liverpool’s EFL Cup victory over Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion – following an intense battle – have become a hallmark under Arne Slot’s leadership.
Once again, Liverpool leaned on some luck. Slot’s side required a touch of fortune at one end, including a stunning save by Vitezslav Jaros, while they made the most of their chances at the other end with their signature ruthless finishing.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged this post-match, describing Liverpool’s performance as “ruthless.”
Despite Brighton’s 19 attempts resulting in just two goals, Hurzeler could only admire Cody Gakpo’s clinical finishing, as the Liverpool winger scored the first of a decisive brace from a tight angle on the right.
After Gakpo had “struggled” in Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal – as noted by Gary Neville – this display marked a significant improvement.
“Unbelievable” was the word to describe Cody Gakpo as he drove Liverpool past Brighton in the EFL Cup.
“It’s disappointing to be knocked out, but we weren’t ruthless enough,” Hurzeler said in his post-match press conference. “Liverpool scored at the right times – out of nowhere with an incredible shot – and the timing favored them.”
Gakpo, known for cutting inside and launching curling shots into the far corner during his PSV Eindhoven days, demonstrated his trademark style once again. His first goal came in the 46th minute, a strike that dipped, swerved, and gathered speed before hitting the net.
He later caught Brighton’s Jason Steele off guard with a second goal, a near-post shot with his supposedly weaker foot, bringing his season total to two.
Having started three of Liverpool’s last four matches in all competitions, including games against Chelsea and RB Leipzig, Gakpo’s role is significant in Slot’s lineup. However, he appeared off the bench in the recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, as Slot took advantage of Liverpool’s squad depth.
This depth, Paul Scholes suggests, is what makes Liverpool a more formidable title contender this season than Arsenal.
Arne Slot commended Gakpo’s consistent contributions at Liverpool, noting his regular appearances.
“In the second half of last season, he scored a lot of goals. He has been a strong player for Liverpool for a while now,” Slot told reporters after Luis Diaz’s late goal set up a quarterfinal meeting with Southampton in December.
“He’s a regular starter for me, though he doesn’t start every game. He’s competing with Luis Diaz, who also scored when he moved to the left. It’s the norm at a club like Liverpool – we have quality players in every position,” Slot explained.
Slot also praised Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, who competed alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibou Konate in defense. He noted that Gakpo, too, is firmly in the rotation, a testament to Liverpool’s depth and quality this season.
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