Cody Gakpo Shines with Brace as Liverpool Defeats Brighton
Cody Gakpo netted a remarkable second-half double as defending champions Liverpool advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium simon case. The Netherlands international, who scored two goals in Liverpool’s 5-1 win against West Ham in the previous round, has now tallied eight goals in as many games in the competition.
Match Highlights
Simon Adingra scored from a rebound 10 minutes from time, reducing Brighton’s deficit, but Luis Diaz quickly restored Liverpool’s two-goal advantage. Tariq Lamptey added a deflected consolation goal for Brighton. Liverpool’s goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros was instrumental, making a fantastic save to tip an Adingra header onto the post when the score was 1-0. Both Lamptey and Evan Ferguson also squandered excellent opportunities for Brighton.
First Half Overview
After a lackluster first half, Brighton dominated the 17 minutes between Gakpo’s goals but failed to capitalize, ultimately falling short in their attempt to reach the tournament’s last eight for the first time in 46 years. Andy Robertson captained Liverpool, having been one of only three players retained from the team that drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Sunday, while Brighton made eight changes.
Key Moments
Brighton’s goalkeeper, Jason Steele, who captained the home side, faced some nervous moments early on. Lamptey missed a golden opportunity for an opener in the 13th minute after being set up by Jan Paul van Hecke, shooting straight at Liverpool’s keeper Jaros. Gakpo curled a shot wide shortly after as both teams struggled to break the deadlock in a cagey first half.
Gakpo’s Impact
Liverpool, currently sitting second in the Premier League, has only lost once since Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer edshed. The 10-time League Cup champions were denied an opener twice before halftime; Steele saved a side-footed shot from Dominik Szoboszlai and denied a close-range attempt from Robertson. holy cross high school
Gakpo finally broke the deadlock just 30 seconds into the second half, receiving a pass from Tyler Morton, cutting inside Jakub Moder, and firing a stunning shot into the far corner from just inside the 18-yard box house of the year northern ireland.
Brighton’s Response
Brighton responded well to the setback and had a chance to level the score. Full debutant Jaros delivered a fantastic save, redirecting Adingra’s header onto the right post after a strong run from Lamptey. However, Brighton’s fleeting momentum was disrupted as Liverpool doubled their lead.
The Decisive Goals
Two minutes after Steele saved again from Szoboszlai, Gakpo found the net for his second goal. Lamptey lost possession deep in his half, allowing Gakpo to drive towards goal and fiercely finish past Steele at the near post.
Late Drama
Brighton had previously blown a two-goal lead in their Saturday draw with Wolves and threatened a comeback after Adingra capitalized on a mistake by Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah. Ferguson’s initial shot was parried by Jaros, leaving Adingra to finish the loose ball. Just when it seemed Liverpool would secure the win, Diaz fired a low shot into the bottom left corner, only to be nearly matched by Lamptey, who scored a deflected goal in the 90th minute. The match concluded with Liverpool holding on to keep their title defense alive. mitchell starc
How will Liverpool fare in the next round of the Carabao Cup?
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