Gakpo goal gives forward seven in a row at Anfield with EFL Cup opener

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Cody Gakpo became the outright top scorer in this season’s EFL Cup with the opening goal against Tottenham at Anfield to draw Liverpool level in the second semi-final of this season’s competition.

Netherlands forward Gakpo met Mohamed Salah’s delivery inside the box, firing in first time to make the scoreline 1-1 on aggregate after 34 minutes at Anfield.

“That is unfortunate for Spurs as they were trying to get out,” former Aston Villa and England striker Dion Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live after visiting midfielder Yves Bissouma was dispossessed.

“But the danger is not dealt with and Cody Gakpo laces it with his right boot – a good finish.”

Liverpool vs Spurs

Liverpool had almost 72% of possession during the opening 43 minutes of the game, with Spurs’ first attempt at goal only arriving in the 42nd minute, when Dejan Kulusevski lifted a shot from distance well wide.

There have been few such problems for Gakpo, who has now netted five times in the 2024/25 competition, as well as providing an assist.

The 25-year-old scored twice after the 89th minute in Liverpool’s 5-1 third round win at home to West Ham and two inside 17 minutes in their 3-2 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round.

Gakpo is Liverpool’s form player at Anfield, scoring in each of his last seven appearances there in all competitions.

Tottenham suffer Richarlison injury

The pressure continued to build on Tottenham a minute before half-time, when Antonin Kinsky was forced to spring up and touch Mohamed Salah’s strike over the crossbar.

At the other end of the pitch, Spurs forward Richarlison, who has been beset by injuries, thumped the turf while Liverpool attacked after suffering another setback.

Richarlison had made his first two starts of the campaign since returning from a hamstring injury in January, but the Brazilian hobbled off before the break to be replaced by Mathys Tel, making his debut on loan from Bayern Munich.

Tottenham won the first leg 1-0 through Lucas Bergvall’s 86th minute goal. The winners of the tie will face Newcastle in the final at Wembley Stadium on March 16.




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