
What Went Wrong for Liverpool Against Arsenal? Cody Gakpo Reveals All
In a match that offered both drama and disappointment, Liverpool faced Arsenal at Anfield, resulting in a 2-2 draw that raised questions about the Reds' ability to maintain control in high-pressure situations. Although Liverpool had taken a commanding lead, the match ultimately showcased a collapse that left fans contemplating the strength and resilience of the side.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a close-range header from a well-placed Andy Robertson cross. Just over a minute later, Luis Diaz added a second goal, seemingly putting the Premier League champions in a comfortable position. However, the tide turned when Arsenal mounted a tenacious comeback in the second half, scoring through Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, who later received a red card for two bookable offences.
Offering his reaction post-match, Gakpo acknowledged the misstep by the team: "We played very well in moments, got 2-0 up – you should win the game. Obviously, you know Arsenal is a strong side with a lot of qualities as well. But we as a team when we are 2-0 up, we shouldn't give that away." The Dutchman highlighted a lapse in focus and intensity among the Liverpool players, stating, "I think we were not that sharp anymore, maybe not that focused anymore as we were in the first half, a little bit sloppy on the ball as well."

Despite the disappointment, Gakpo was proud of the team’s reaction after Arsenal’s comeback. "After they scored twice, we got back up again and created some good opportunities. Unfortunately, we didn't get a winner," he reflected. The focus now shifts towards Liverpool’s final match of the 2024-25 season against Crystal Palace, where Gakpo aims to continue his scoring streak, having matched a notable Anfield record held by Mohamed Salah of scoring in ten consecutive starts at home.
The pathway towards the end-of-season celebrations is looking promising, with Gakpo stating, "Hopefully we give them [the fans] two more wins from our side... The last league title was in COVID. Now it's not COVID anymore, so I expect a lot! I think they deserve that." As Liverpool look to cap off a successful season by lifting the Premier League trophy, questions linger regarding their vulnerability in high-stakes moments.
Ultimately, the draw against Arsenal serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and focus, particularly against formidable opponents. With Gakpo emerging as a key player for the team, the anticipation for the concluding matchday is palpable, coupled with the hope that Liverpool can learn from this experience in their pursuit of further success.
What are your thoughts on Liverpool’s performance against Arsenal? Do you believe they can solidify their comeback in their next game?