Monday 13 February 2023 was the most anticipated day for not only the Anfield enthusiastic fans but also the traveling Toffees. A game where a lot was at stake. Liverpool holding on to a slim top-four hope. Everton under new manager Sean Dyche looking to beat the relegation demon knocking at their door.
Going into the game, Everton came with more confidence than usual. Despite being in the relegation zone, they fancied their chances against a struggling Liverpool. The latter had lost last weekend to Wolves in a 3-0 humbling. Everton, on the other hand, had surprised league leaders Arsenal with a 1-0 win.
However, not all that glitter is gold. Sean Dyche might have realized this bitter truth late. After the scorer of last weekend’s Everton winner against Arsenal, James Tarkowski headed off the bar, hell was late loose. Quick goals from Mohamed Salah ( 38 minutes) and Cody Gakpo ( 49 minutes) were enough to see off the visitors.
Cody Gakpo scored his first Liverpool goal.
Despite the much-needed win, the talk of the day was all about $35 million Forward Cody Gakpo finally netting his first Liverpool goal after joining from PSV Eindhoven after the World Cup in the January transfer window. It had taken a whopping six games for the Netherlands international to finally open his account for Reds.
A lot of positives have been drawn from the win. Key among them was that 18-year-old Stefan Bacjcectic superbly played cool and pulled strings in the middle of the park. The young midfielder was praised for his work rate and it is assumed he may be the answer to the Liverpool woes they have faced recently with an aging midfield department.
Stefan Bacjcectic ( red ) of Liverpool.
As if not enough, a new signing who came in through the January transfer window, Cody Gakpo finally managed to score his first goal in six games. The beauty of it all was not scoring but in the manner of scoring- like the old Liverpool way – counter-attack football passed via the wing.
Famous football pundit and Sky Sports TV host, Jamie Carragher spoke admirably of his former side which he represented as a defender:
“ Klopp has just got to hope Liverpool can now go on and try to make some sort of fight for that top-four position. Could they have a Champions League run? Sometimes one big result in a big game can spark something.
The magnitude of the win has led some pundits to claim that Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool still has a shot at Champions League places. Currently, the Reds sit 9 with 9 points separating them from fourth-placed Newcastle United. With a number of teams facing a dip in the form here and there, it is yet to be seen if Liverpool can capitalize on this and make it to Champions League football.
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