Cody Gakpo could be finished at Liverpool as new stats emerge from Nottingham Forest calamity
Arne Slot has a major headache to solve at Liverpool after Cody Gakpo blanked once again in the late win over Nottingham Forest.
It was the Dutch winger’s seventh consecutive game without a goal contribution, last netting against Marseille as a substitute last month, and keeping himself in the Liverpool manager’s good books.
Supporters have continuously questioned how Gakpo keeps getting his name on the teamsheet, whether that be the Premier League or Champions League, with other options available.
Despite all the star-studded players around him, he only has seven goals and four assists across all competitions this term, a far cry from his usual standards at Anfield.
Bayern Munich were incredibly interested in the 26-year-old before they signed Luis Diaz instead last summer, and given the Colombian’s exploits, the Reds may feel they got rid of the wrong winger.
Cody Gakpo exposed once again as Liverpool struggle vs Nottingham Forest
Gakpo continues to frustrate supporters, and the Reds’ trip to the City Ground was nothing different, deservedly hooked in the closing stages while his team were in desperate need of a winner.
In 77 minutes, he created zero chances, had just one shot blocked, created an xG (Expected Goals) of 0.04, was dispossessed once, caught offside once and entered into eight duels [FotMob].
While he was successful in the defensive third, his actual role that Slot had him on the pitch for – attacking – left a lot to be desired, hence the reason for hooking him.
As well as Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha came on in place of the two wingers, doing far more during his short cameo than many others could, which only spells bad news for Gakpo’s future on Merseyside.
- Read more: After Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have already set their sights on Mohamed Salah’s replacement.
Rio Ngumoha makes a huge statement to Arne Slot
Ultimately, Alexis Mac Allister was Liverpool’s saviour, popping up with two goals in added time, albeit one was harshly ruled out, but Ngumoha seriously made a statement about his involvement in the team.
In 13 minutes, he created one big chance, completed 67 per cent of his dribbles, accurately delivered his only cross and entered into four duels [FotMob], all putting more pressure on the home side.
His game time has been limited to just 89 minutes in the Premier League, even after netting the winner against Newcastle United at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.
Ngumoha would have expected a much bigger role in the team after that moment, and after his and Gakpo’s performances at the City Ground, Slot has really been left with no other option.