“That’s an Honour” – Cody Gakpo Reacts to Matching Mohamed Salah’s Historic Liverpool Record | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo and Liverpool’s Standards: No Room for Complacency at the Summit

There was a quiet authority in Cody Gakpo’s post-match reflections after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal — an admission that winning the Premier League doesn’t entitle you to switch off, even for a moment. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, the Dutch forward struck the kind of candid tone fans often crave: “We played very well in moments, got 2-0 up – you should win the game.”

It was a brutally honest assessment after a game that felt like a missed opportunity. This wasn’t just any draw; this was a match that exposed the fine margins at the top of the English game. As Gakpo put it, “I don’t really want to say [it was] a different Arsenal, I think it was a different us.” Those words point to a maturity that’s increasingly defining his role within this Liverpool side.

Ruthlessness Is Non-Negotiable

One of the more telling remarks from Gakpo came when he said: “They are a strong side, so when you drop maybe one or two per cent then they have the quality to take advantage of that – and that’s what they did.” It’s a reminder that in a league as competitive as the Premier League, even champions cannot afford lapses in intensity.

New manager Arne Slot, in his first season at the helm, has already delivered a title – a feat worthy of praise. But maintaining that elite standard week in, week out is the true hallmark of a side capable of dominating an era. Gakpo’s admission that the team “was not that sharp anymore, maybe not that focused anymore” after half-time shows that even this title-winning group is still learning.

This isn’t criticism for the sake of it; it’s a recognition of what’s required to stay at the top. Slot has clearly instilled a high-performance culture at Anfield, and Gakpo’s comments suggest that the players are holding themselves to those standards.

A Record That Reflects a Rising Star

On a personal level, Gakpo continues to impress. His goal on Sunday — a close-range header from Andy Robertson’s inviting cross — extended his incredible scoring streak at Anfield. He has now scored in 10 consecutive starts at home, a feat only Mohamed Salah has matched in Liverpool history. “Only two? So it’s me and Mo? That’s amazing,” he said. “That’s an honour obviously to get that record – especially besides Mo, who has so many records.”

Photo: IMAGO

The ease with which Gakpo speaks about his own achievements reflects his growing confidence. He isn’t just a passenger in this team; he’s becoming a central figure, both in terms of output and attitude. The fact that he already has one eye on the next game — and breaking the record outright — shows his hunger to keep evolving.

Title Party Deserved, but Work Goes On

Liverpool’s final home fixture of the season against Crystal Palace will be a celebration, and rightly so. The title is back at Anfield for the first time since 2020, and this time, without pandemic restrictions, the fans will be able to revel in it properly. Gakpo encapsulated that sentiment perfectly: “We fought really hard this season to make that happen. We will have a great party. And then we have to focus again for next season and hopefully get more parties in.”

That last line says everything about the mindset of a champion. Celebrate, yes. But never settle.

Liverpool, under Slot, have set the standard. Gakpo, with his sharp eye for goal and sharper understanding of what’s required at the elite level, is proving to be an increasingly vital part of that project.