Liverpool took the lion’s share of the points at the Red Bull Arena to go top of the Champions League table.
A 1-0 away win now means the Reds have taken nine points back in Europe, while breaking two records in the process.
The first time we win our opening 6? matches of the season?? pic.twitter.com/C4nD8Lh199
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 23, 2024
Although the visitors weren’t exactly sparkling throughout the 90 minutes, Arne Slot’s opening record of 11 wins from 12 games is certainly remarkable.
The Dutchman’s winning streak will surely be tested with a meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
What do the stats say about Cody Gakpo’s Leipzig show?
It’s fair to say that the stats have been very kind to Cody Gakpo, and not undeservedly!
The Dutch international was in sensational form against Die Roten Bullen. He racked up four key passes (completing 29/34 passes), creating two big chances and completing 5/8 ground duels. All this among 50 touches made at night.
Sofascore gave the former PSV star a 7.8/10 rating on the night, which seems a bit low.
We can see Caoimhin Kelleher securing the MOTM award for his almost flawless performance between the sticks for Liverpool. That said, if any of the outfield are up for the prize, Gakpo could reasonably argue that he has done enough in Europe. Even if the fans were treated to a relentless show from Darwin Núñez.
Cody Steel tonight
4 shots
4 chances created
4 earned fouls
5 duels wonFirst player to have 4+ in all these stats in any game #LFC from Philippe Coutinho to Maribor in October 2017.
— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) October 23, 2024
Will Cody Gakpo start against Arsenal?
Consider this a highly unlikely eventuality despite another promising outing on the front line.
Simply put, the left wing is Luis Díaz’s domain until the Colombian starts making constant mistakes. Or, God forbid Liverpool fans, until the footballer gets injured.
That’s no disrespect to the Netherlands international, who has otherwise enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign in flashes.
Cody Gakpo has been our third strongest player in the Champions League, according to statistics compiled by Sofascore. On that basis, it’s fair to assume that he will remain a preferred option for Slot in Europe, at least until Real Madrid come to Anfield at the end of November.
Be that as it may, he cannot be discounted as a credible option in the starting eleven or from the bench if he maintains this type of performance.
That said, it’s hard not to feel a little sorry for the 25-year-old. Especially considering how limited his playing time has been.
