InterviewCody Gakpo reaction: Ipswich win, goalscoring form, Anfield record and more

The Netherlands international netted the Reds’ third and fourth goals of the afternoon as Arne Slot’s side consolidated their position at the top of the Premier League with a routine home victory.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s precise hit from the edge of the area put Liverpool ahead early on, before Gakpo assisted Mohamed Salah to make it 2-0.

The close-range, poacher’s finish that increased the advantage just before half-time saw Gakpo become only the 13th Reds player to score in six consecutive Anfield appearances.

He later nodded home a pinpoint cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold to take his tally for the season to 14 and, post-match, the forward spoke to Liverpoolfc.com.

Read our interview below.

On the team’s performance and final scoreline…

I think it was an almost-perfect game. I think we created a lot of chances, obviously they were a tough side to play. They played very deep [so it was] very difficult to create some chances but we did that. So, I think we played a good game, scored four goals, but at the end we conceded, which is not what we wanted because we wanted to keep a clean sheet. But at the end, I think [it was] a good performance and on to the next.

On Szoboszlai’s early goal helping…

Yeah, I think it was very important that we got the early goal. So, very happy that Dom scored – I think it was a great goal from him and that opened the game up a little bit and then we kept going. Even in half-time we said, ‘Let’s keep going and try to score more goals and keep a clean sheet.’ But unfortunately the last one we couldn’t keep it.

On becoming only the 13th Liverpool player to score in six successive appearances at Anfield…

[I am] very happy to score here at home, in front of the fans, but the most important thing is that we won today and I am very happy to contribute.

On being in the right place at the right time to slot in his first goal of the game…

We said in the dressing room that this is the goal that everybody dreams of, one of the most easy goals you can score. But it’s always nice to get them so I am happy with that.

On Alexander-Arnold’s superb delivery that teed him up for his second…

Yeah, amazing. I think everybody knows that he can cross it like that and he did it again. I think it was a good header but a very good ball from him.

On gaining another three points at Anfield…

I think it was a very important game… everybody maybe thinks that we should win at home but every game is difficult, especially in the race we are in. So, we have to keep going and keep winning games.

On Salah, who scored his 100th Premier League goal at Anfield and moved up to outright seventh place in the Premier League’s all-time leading scorers list…

Wow. He breaks so many records – what can I say? Congratulations, Mo! I think that is something very special for him, for us as well and for the club. A great player and very consistent.