Liverpool have won their last three Premier League games to reignite their top-four hopes, but glaring issues remain for Arne Slot's side after the Reds boss spoke out on Cody Gakpo
10:09, 03 Mar 2026
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has transfers on his mind
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Liverpool have put together a winning run in the Premier League
Liverpool's recent surge in performance has rekindled their momentum in the battle for Champions League qualification. Their three-match winning streak, with their 5-2 victory over West Ham United on Saturday extending that run, has brought them within three points of both Manchester United and Aston Villa, who occupy third and fourth place respectively.
Despite securing maximum points from three games, glaring issues continue to plague the reigning Premier League champions. The absence of a robust midfield presence and ongoing difficulties with set-pieces remain some of the most pressing concerns for Arne Slot's team.
Among their problems is the form of Cody Gakpo, who is experiencing his worst season at the club since his £45million move to Anfield in 2022. His goal drought and lacklustre performances have led to calls for the Dutchman to be benched. Daily Star Sport delves into Slot's views on his struggling winger, as well as a former Liverpool star hitting back at the criticism he's faced.
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool FC and Head Coach Arne Slot of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at PSV Stadion on January 29, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands
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Arne Slot has spoken out on Cody Gakpo's recent form(Image: 2024 BSR Agency)
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Cody Gakpo admission
The Dutchman is among several Liverpool players who haven't lived up to standard this season. His goal-scoring drought has hindered the club's stuttering forward line.
Gakpo's goal against West Ham was only his third since November and his first league goal since scoring against Fulham in January.
Despite his goal-scoring dry spell and some poor performances, Slot didn't think Gakpo's confidence had taken a hit. However, he did concede that the forward's poor form had influenced his in-game decisions.
The Reds' boss said: "I was happy because 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.
"I don't think his confidence was gone or away in that regard, but I did see a few times recently that he maybe made different decisions than I'm used to from him.
"That doesn't always have to mean it's a lack of confidence. But when players are not scoring for a longer and longer [time] they start to think more about their direction, and overthinking is not the best thing you can do."
'Easy target' label
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on February 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Gakpo was labelled an 'easy target' following recent criticism(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Gakpo has been under increasing pressure to be dropped due to his poor form, with a section of the Liverpool supporters calling for Rio Ngumoha to take up the left-wing spot.
The significant criticism the 26-year-old has faced when Liverpool aren't performing at their best is partly because he's an "easy target", according to former Reds midfielder Jason McAteer.
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Speaking on the official Liverpool FC podcast, the ex-Ireland international stated: "I've a slight sympathy for Cody. I think sometimes he can be unfairly criticised. When it's not going well, I think he's an easy target.
"He puts a right shift in and sometimes doesn't get the credit he's worthy of. He's having quite a productive season, scoring goals."
With only eight goals to his name in all competitions this season, he's netted 10 fewer so far than during last season's title-winning campaign.