BREAKING NEWS: Although my team first scored in the 2:1 loss to Liverpool but I must confess I have never coached and played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in the league before”, Leicester city Star coach van Nistelrooy reveals the ONE Liverpool player that really surprised Him with His performance yesterday – Not Salah and Not Diaz.
In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Anfield, Liverpool showcased their resilience by overturning an early deficit to secure a 3-1 victory over Leicester City. The match, held on December 26, 2024, saw Leicester’s Jordan Ayew open the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the hosts.
Liverpool responded with determination, and just before halftime, Cody Gakpo netted the equalizer, demonstrating his attacking prowess. The Dutch forward’s goal was a testament to his positioning and finishing skills, as he adeptly converted a cross from the right flank.
The second half saw Liverpool dominate possession, with Curtis Jones marking his 100th league appearance by scoring in the 49th minute, giving the Reds a 2-1 lead. Mohamed Salah sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, notching his 19th goal of the season and further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top scorers.
Post-match, Leicester City’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, expressed his admiration for Liverpool’s performance, particularly highlighting the impact of Cody Gakpo. Van Nistelrooy, who previously coached Gakpo at PSV Eindhoven, remarked, “Cody’s development has been remarkable. Facing him today, I witnessed firsthand how much he has grown as a player. His goal was well-taken, and his overall play posed significant challenges for our defense.”
This acknowledgment from Van Nistelrooy underscores Gakpo’s evolution from a promising talent at PSV to a key contributor in Liverpool’s attacking lineup. His ability to influence high-stakes matches has not gone unnoticed, with pundits and fans alike praising his recent performances.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, also commended Gakpo’s display, stating, “Cody has been exceptional for us. His adaptability and work ethic are invaluable, and he continues to make significant contributions in crucial moments.”
The victory extends Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points, capitalizing on Chelsea’s earlier loss to Fulham. With a game in hand, the Reds are in a commanding position as the season progresses.
Leicester City, meanwhile, remains in the relegation zone, with Van Nistelrooy acknowledging the challenges ahead: “We had a clear game plan, and while the players executed it to the best of their ability, we were ultimately unable to claim the points. We must regroup and focus on the upcoming fixtures to improve our standing.”
As the season unfolds, Liverpool’s depth and the emergence of players like Gakpo will be pivotal in their pursuit of domestic and European success. For Leicester, the focus will be on resilience and tactical adjustments to navigate the challenges of the Premier League.