Inflicting Sean Dyche’s first loss as Everton manager, Liverpool broke a three-game losing streak and won the Merseyside derby 2-0 with the help of goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
The team led by Jurgen Klopp overcame recent struggles to overwhelm their neighbourhood rivals, who had just the week prior wowed by defeating Premier League leaders Arsenal.
They did require a bit of luck, as James Tarkowski hit the post immediately before Mohamed Salah scored the game’s opening goal by capping off a quick first-half counterattack.
Cody Gakpo’s second-half goal, his first for the team since joining from PSV Eindhoven in January, gave the Reds excellent reason to win, though.
Jamie Carragher, a former player for Liverpool, recently said he didn’t understand why the team signed Gakpo since he didn’t seem to match Klopp’s style of play.
READ ALSO: LGBTQ: I will defend our children even if the community turns on me – US Actress
Well, after seeing these 90 minutes from the gantry at Anfield, he could have a better sense of how the Dutchman will eventually fit in.
"At some stage Jurgen Klopp might have to think about playing four upfront" 🤔@Carra23 on how Cody Gakpo fits into the Liverpool side 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/IfF4RC6aOW
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 13, 2023
In terms of his confidence, scoring his first goal for the team was a significant event, but Gakpo’s whole performance was what was most encouraging.
He did not avoid playing defence and used some deft moves to elude Everton opponents before inevitably selecting an excellent pass.
Although Klopp’s newest acquisition could require more time to perform at his peak, there is no doubt that he will be extremely helpful moving ahead.
“I think it’s good for me to improve in that position and keep on working on it”, Gakpo said at the post-match interview.
🗣 "I think it's good for me to improve in that position and keep on working on it."
Cody Gakpo highlights his role in this Liverpool team pic.twitter.com/BDZR08cPwJ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 13, 2023
The Dutchman is still young, he should be given more time.
Goals:
LIV — Salah — 36th min.
LIV — Gakpo — 49th min.
