Liverpool supporters have hit out at Cody Gakpo after another underwhelming display in the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Following their weekend loss to Manchester City and a run of midweek results elsewhere, Liverpool went into the match five points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Sunderland, who had remained unbeaten at home in the Premier League all season, looked set to extend that record until Virgil van Dijk powered in a header from Mohamed Salah’s corner in the 61st minute.In a game short on clear chances, Arne Slot’s side did enough to take all three points back to Merseyside and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Slot once again named Gakpo on the left wing for what was his 20th league start of the season, but the Dutch forward struggled to influence the match in the final third.Gakpo has found it difficult to hit form this campaign after becoming Liverpool’s first-choice option on the left following Luis Diaz’s departure in the summer.
He arrived at Sunderland having scored just twice in his previous 14 appearances, and his goal drought continued as he failed to register a single effort that tested goalkeeper Robin Roefs.He delivered four corners but none found a teammate, while only one of his eight crosses was successful.
From open play, he created just one chance and repeatedly gave the ball away — losing possession 13 times — before being replaced by Curtis Jones in the 75th minute.Fans had already criticised Gakpo for his display against Manchester City, and despite the win, many returned to social media to voice their frustration once again.
With Slot’s position still under scrutiny, some supporters have also pointed to his continued faith in Gakpo as a major issue this season.One fan posted on X: “Cody Gakpo starting week in week out this season is one of the most painful experiences I’ve witnessed at this club, and I’ve suffered the Roy Hodgson era.”
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