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Liverpool fans on X have waxed lyrical about Cody Gakpo after he put in a Player of the Match performance in their 3-1 win against Fulham (Sunday, April 21).
The Reds returned to winning ways with a brilliant win over Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League. Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free-kick in the 32nd minute, but Timothy Castagne equalized in the second minute of stoppage time. Ryan Gravenberch scored his first Premier League goal of the season (53') before Diogo Jota silenced Craven Cottage with a goal 19 minutes later to seal all three points.
Gakpo has struggled for form and confidence in recent weeks, catching the ire of many Liverpool fans, including Jamie Carragher on X. Jurgen Klopp had struggled to integrate the Dutchman into his system this season. He has often played him as a forward or midfielder - positions Gakpo clearly wasn't comfortable with.
Klopp made the bold decision to bench the out-of-form attacking duo of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez for Diogo Jota and Gakpo against Fulham. The latter was deployed as a left winger.
The 24-year-old was a constant threat down the left, providing the assist for Jota's goal. He also completed 31 out of 36 passes with an accuracy of 86 percent. In addition, he created two big chances, landed all three of his shots on target, and won seven duels.
One Liverpool fan posted:
"Cody Gakpo appreciation post. MOTM in his natural role at LW. Ran the show."
Other fan reactions can be viewed below:
"He was magnificent today"
"Cody Gakpo as the LW is 10x the player he is up front!"
"Cody Gakpo appreciation post. A different player when he plays in his natural position, plays for the badge and gave absolutely everything today."
"Klopp needs to be put in jail, it took him 1.5 years to realize Gakpo isn’t a striker", one fan wrote
"Cody Gakpo is a completely different player at LW. please keep playing him there, Klopp", one fan pleaded
"Bro has been putting in shifts recently", another fan pointed out
"He’s more confident now and a brilliant winger so far", one fan chimed in
How did Liverpool fare in their 3-1 win against Fulham?
Liverpool moved level with leaders Arsenal on points as they returned to winning ways against Fulham in the Premier League. They are second with 74 points from 33 games, behind the Gunners on goal difference. Let's take a look at the stats to see how both teams performed.
The Reds dominated possession with 61 percent of the ball. They also had more control, attempting 647 passes with an accuracy of 86 percent. Meanwhile, the Cottagers had 39 percent possession, attempting 12 shots with five being on target.
Liverpool were also more dominant in attack, landing 14 shots in total with seven being on target. In contrast, Fulham had 12 shots, mustering five on target.
