Cody Gakpo scores first goal in Mersey side Derby; Liverpool register first win in Premier League in 2023
Liverpool has finally broken the curse that has been casted on them in 2023. They have registered their first win in the English top division this year, and it came in one of the biggest games of the season, against their local rivals, Everton.
This victory was made possible by the two goals scored by Mohammed Salah and newcomer Cody Gakpo. They rattled the defense of Everton from time to time and in the end had 2 goals to show for it.
It was an important game for Everton as well. They are currently in the relegation zone and couldn’t afford to lose a game like this. Having defeated an in-form Arsenal last week, everyone expected them to defeat a belittled Liverpool.
However, derbies have different effect on different teams. And this brings out different response as well. Hence, playing in front of their own crowd, Liverpool was determined to end their win drought. And they did it in some style.
First Premier League win in 2023
The former champions and this years’ title challengers were going to through a rough phase this season. They had last won a league game on the final day of 2022 by defeating Leicester City 2-1.
From there onwards it was a massive slump in form for the 2019/20 Premier League Champions.
Forget winning, they were not even able to score goals in the Premier Leagues. Despite having the likes of Mohammed Salah, Darwin Nunes, and recently acquired Cody Gakpo, Liverpool were unable to score goals.
The last goal they scored was back on 2nd Jan in a 3-1 loss against Brentford.
Mohammed Salah, the golden boot winner was struggling since last October. And had failed to find a goal for himself since then.
Things however took a turn for Liverpool in the Mersey side derby. They were able to bounce back by scoring the two goals. Salah ended his goal drought of nearly 4 months. He will be a key player as Liverpool face UCL challenge next week.
Cody Gakpo Up and Running in Liverpool Colours
Another player struggling massively for Liverpool was their recent signing Cody Gakpo. Coming off from a great world cup campaign where he slotted 3 goals in 5 games, the dutchman had a hard time settling in.
It was not like chances didn’t come his way, but he was simply not able to turn them into goals. Ever since his arrival from PSV mid-season, Gakpo played 6 games before the Derby. And had nothing to show for his arrival, neither goals nor assists.
This put a huge monkey on his back, as expectations were on a steady rise with UCL fixture against Real Madrid looking around the corner.
Now, Gakpo finally has a goal to show for his efforts. With the monkey off his back, he will be looking to take on the Real Madrid challenge next week.
Real Madrid challenge in UEFA Champions League
The Klopp’s men will be rearing to face the defending champions of UCL next week. Having registered a win finally in the Premier League, they will fancy themselves to deliver an upset against European Champions as well.
And given the recent form of Real Madrid it might actually be a possibility. The Spanish giants themselves are suffering from several injuries. Including their main striker and Ballon d’Or winner Benzema.
Hence it will be a great chance for Liverpool to register a win in the home game against Real Madrid.
But before that, they will face an away challenge at St. James’ Park where they will face Newcastle United. If they manage to upset the number 3 ranked league side, they are certain to deliver an upset to Real Madrid at home next week.
