Tottenham star Andy Robertson returned to Anfield for the first time as an opposition player in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday after leaving Liverpool in the summer
Cody Gakpo scored in Tuesday's game
Cody Gakpo scored in Tuesday's game(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
What Cody Gakpo did when Andy Robertson made his Anfield return during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Robertson, 32, brought his nine-year stint with Liverpool to a close on the back of the 2025/26 campaign, leaving the club on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract. Signed for just $10.7 million (£8 million) from Hull back in 2017, Robertson went on to become one of the finest full-backs in world football under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.
During his time at Anfield, Robertson played a major role as Liverpool won multiple trophies, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
On Tuesday, Robertson made his first return to Anfield after joining Spurs in the summer, coming on in the 57th minute to replace Destiny Udogie.
As the Scotsman entered the pitch, the Anfield crowd was quick to applaud and chant Robertson’s name.
Aside from the Liverpool fans, Robertson’s former teammate, Gakpo, also paid tribute to the 32-year-old, as he was seen clapping as the full-back came on the field of play.
Gakpo’s gesture was caught on fan footage from the stands at Anfield and quickly went viral on social media; the Dutchman received praise from supporters, with one calling him a ‘true pro’.
Although he received a warm reception, Robertson ultimately left Anfield disappointed as goals from Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai secured a 3-1 win for Liverpool. Conor Gallagher was the scorer for Roberto De Zerbi’s team.
Speaking after making 10 changes to his Liverpool starting XI, Andoni Iraola admitted that he needed ‘fresh legs’.
He explained: “I made a lot of changes but I think I needed to do it. We lacked a bit of energy the other day and we needed fresh legs and I am happy that all the players have given us energy and aggressiveness.
“The three goals we scored were very good goals. The origin of the first and second goals are also very important for us, but the third goal is a worldie, it is outstanding.”
Iraola will hope that his players will be able to recover quickly as they are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
Although unbeaten, the Reds are currently eighth in the Premier League table, having amassed just six points from their opening four matches.
Meanwhile, Spurs will look to end their miserable start to the 26/27 season against fellow strugglers Aston Villa, who sit 19th in the league table, on Saturday.