Cody Gakpo ended a seven-game drought with a deflected effort in Liverpool’s 5-2 win over West Ham and Arne Slot has admitted his winger “needed that goal.”
Gakpo had gone seven starts – and a total of 634 minutes – without a goal before scoring in the second half of Saturday’s big victory at Anfield.
It came after comments from Slot that it was not only Mohamed Salah who was struggling as part of his attack – and speaking ahead of the trip to Wolves, the head coach said Gakpo “needed that.”
“I don’t judge them only the goals they score,” he stressed.
Liverpool’s Front Three: Goals and Assists in 2026
Player Apps Goals Assists G+A / 90
Hugo Ekitike 12 5 4 0.98
Mo Salah 9 2 4 0.69
Cody Gakpo 14 3 0 0.26
* Stats via FotMob. All competitions from January 1, 2026, to March 2, 2026.
“I judge them on different things as well. Attackers are also judged on if we keep a clean sheet, as defenders are judged if we can score from open play because they have to create promising situations for our attackers.
“But for our attackers, I know how they think and what they want, and that is scoring goals.
“I was happy because I think it was the 4-1 [goal], so that gave us an even more comfortable cushion.
“But even more happy for him to score, because I think he needed that goal.”
Gakpo has drawn criticism throughout this season with the perception his style of attacking play – more often than not cutting inside to shoot with his stronger right foot – is one-dimensional.
That has only been magnified during a long run without a goal, and Slot believes his No. 18 has been “overthinking” situations.
“I don’t think his confidence was gone or away or whatever in that regard,” he insisted.
“But I did see a few times recently that he maybe made different decisions than I’m used to with him.
“That doesn’t always have to mean that it’s a lack of confidence, but I think when players are not scoring for longer and longer they start to think more about their action.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 28, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring his side'a fourth goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“You need to think, but overthinking is not the best thing you can do. But I think that’s something different than confidence.
“These players, if it’s Cody or Mo or whoever, they can have a certain spell without scoring but know they’ve had this before in their careers, they will eventually start scoring again.
“But there are periods of time where you don’t put that much effort in and the ball just falls to you and you can score, and there are periods of time in your career where you try so, so hard.
“Trying too hard or overthinking is usually not the best thing to score a goal.”