CODY GAKPO scored a spectacular brace at Brighton to extend his Carabao Cup romance.
Liverpool easily advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to the Dutchman’s double.
8Cody Gakpo scored twice as Liverpool beat Brighton 3-2Credit: Getty
8The result saw the Reds book their place in the next round of the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHowever, Luis Diaz was followed by goals from Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey in a late burst of goals that left Arne Slot looking rattled.
Brighton can always pull off a comeback or collapse, regardless of the score being 2-0, but Slot’s situation ought to have been much more comfortable after it was made evident.
Gakpo has already scored four goals in two games this season, including four on the road to the championship game last season.
Slot needed another forward to step up after injuries and some rotation – eight changes a piece made here.Brighton gained momentum from the opportunity, but Slot’s team mostly kept control and began to create opportunities.
Due to Jota’s injury, they had no focal point, hence opportunities were scarcer.
VAR
It took a smart one-two between Szboszlai and Andy Robertson to find some space, though the midfielder shot straight at Steele before Luis Diaz headed the rebound wide.
Gakpo then fed Robertson for a chance of his own, though Steele stopped it with ease at the near post.
Having gone for the tappy and technical approach to breaking Brighton down in the first half, Gakpo went for the jugular within 40 seconds of the restart – cracking a thunderbolt from the corner of the box past Steele.
His strike here did put Liverpool ahead but it also put a rocket up the hosts.
8Gakpo got his first early in the second halfCredit: Reuters
8He doubled Liverpool’s lead soon afterCredit: Getty
Within moments of the resumption, third-choice keeper Jaros made a stunning fingertip save to turn Adingra’s header on to the post before parrying an effort from Evan Ferguson and pushing Jakub Moder’s long range striker over the bar.
Hurzeler’s men were in complete control, but another Lamptey handed Liverpool the initiative once again.
The former Chelsea man was robbed of the ball in his own half by Gakpo, who raced away as part of three red shirts against one blue and white.
Gakpo opted to square for Szboszlai who got his feet stuck and allowed Steele to get a hand to his poor effort.
8Simon Adingra gave the Reds a late frightCredit: PA
8Luis Diaz managed to restore the Reds’ two-goal leadCredit: AFP
Two minutes after the first warning, Gakpo snatched the ball from the full-back once more and this time took no risks in squaring to a team-mate. A thumping near-post finish flashed past Steele.
Kaoru Mitoma was sent on and tormented down the left but it was Adingra, Brighton’s standout man, who gave them hope of a comeback.
Jarell Quansah was pickpocketed in his own half, much as Lamptey had erred. The winger prodded home after the ball went to Ferguson, whose strong effort was split.
Liverpool was once again alarmed, but Diaz responded with a spectacular backhand into the near post.
That should have been that but Lamptey, what a night he could have had without the silly mistakes, fired in a deflected second for the hosts.
After five agonizingly more minutes, Slot was finally able to exhale. However, he will have to deal with Brighton’s onslaught once more on Saturday.
8Tariq Lamptey pulled back a late effort for the hostsCredit: AFP
Liverpool continued their fine start under Arne SlotCredit: Getty