Something lower than three factors towards West Ham would have been unacceptable for Liverpool and so it’s simply as properly for Arne Slot’s sake that his workforce discovered high kind in a 5-2 win over relegation-threatened opposition. The Reds produced a efficiency that was considerably nearer to the type of show they provided up often final season.
Liverpool’s Dutch striker #18 Cody Gakpo (R) celebrates with Liverpool’s French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike (L) after scoring their fourth objective through the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 28, 2026. (Picture by Paul ELLIS / AFP through Getty Pictures)
AFP through Getty Pictures
Hugo Ekitike was in wonderful kind, opening the scoring within the first 5 minutes and registering two extra assists for good measure. Dominik Szoboszlai was one other standout performer, additionally discovering the again of the web and offering ahead thrust by means of the centre of the sector.
Cody Gakpo was one among 5 totally different goalscorers for the defending Premier League champions, registering his sixth league objective of the marketing campaign. The Netherlands worldwide has are available in for some criticism not too long ago, however this was a powerful response by the participant nonetheless seen by Slot as Liverpool’s first-choice left winger.
Liverpool is in the course of a transition. It spent massive final summer time on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in preparation for a brand new period. With many anticipating Mohamed Salah to depart Anfield on the finish of the season, that new period may begin for actual this summer time.
Gakpo bridges two totally different eras for Liverpool. Signed by the membership in January 2023, the Dutch ahead has been reliably productive over the previous 4 seasons, however some supporters consider Liverpool may discover an improve on him to raise the extent of the ahead line even additional.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Arne Slot, Supervisor of Liverpool, speaks with Cody Gakpo of Liverpool through the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Part MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on November 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Picture by Carl Recine/Getty Pictures)
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A part of the issue is that Gakpo is most comfy as a centre ahead. That’s the place he performed for Netherlands on the 2022 World Cup when he caught Liverpool’s eye within the first place. Slot, nonetheless, already has Ekitike and Isak to select from within the centre ahead place.
Isak’s return from harm may push Ekitike out to the left wing which might in flip relegate Gakpo to the bench. This might be how Slot evolves his ahead line with Ekitike and Isak probably probably the most harmful entrance two within the Premier League. That is the assault Liverpool may construct round for a number of seasons to come back.
Retaining Gakpo round could be a good suggestion. The 26-year-old can function in numerous totally different positions throughout the ahead line and has proved himself as as much as the extent of the Premier League. If the chance presents itself, although, Liverpool might be forgiven for changing Gakpo, as many supporters need it to do.
