Cody Gakpo on 50 Goals, Anfield Wish & Liverpool Form Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring in the 97th minute to clinch three vital Premier League points.
• Head coach Arne Slot and the Liverpool squad openly admitted that the performance against Forest fell short of their expected standards, despite the result.
• Liverpool remain unbeaten in 18 of their last 20 Premier League matches since defeating West Ham United away in November, positioning them strongly ahead of the Anfield showdown.
• Liverpoolfc.com conducted an exclusive pre-match interview with Cody Gakpo at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Ham United.
• Gakpo reflected on the Forest win, acknowledging the subpar team display but emphasising the importance of taking the three points and moving forward.
• In the interview, Gakpo stated: “Yeah, I think if you saw how the game was going, not the best game from our side. Not really much happened. And then to get a win, I think everybody would take that.”
• The interview covers Gakpo’s milestone of approaching 50 career goals, his improving form, and his personal wish to extend his long-term stay at Anfield.
• Liverpool head into the West Ham match with momentum, having lost only twice in 20 games since the November victory over the Hammers.

Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 26, 2026 – Cody Gakpo, Liverpool’s versatile forward, opened up in an exclusive interview about grinding out a crucial 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, his push towards a 50-goal career landmark, and his desire to commit his future to Anfield. The Reds snatched victory thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s dramatic 97th-minute strike, though the performance drew candid criticism from head coach Arne Slot and the players themselves. As Liverpool prepare to host West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, Gakpo’s words underscore a mindset of resilience amid patchy form.

The interview, conducted by Liverpoolfc.com journalists at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday, provides rare insight into the Dutchman’s thoughts ahead of a pivotal Premier League encounter.

With the team unbeaten in 18 of their last 20 league games since the November away win over West Ham, Gakpo’s reflections highlight a squad determined to maintain momentum.

What Happened in the Nottingham Forest Match?

Liverpool’s trip to the City Ground last Sunday exemplified the gritty side of title-chasing. As reported by Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo, Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage-time goal sealed a 1-0 triumph, but the display left much to be desired.

Head coach Arne Slot, speaking post-match, frankly acknowledged the shortcomings, stating to Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher:

“We didn’t play our best, but three points is what matters in these moments.”

Gakpo echoed this sentiment in his Liverpoolfc.com interview with reporter David Lynch. When asked about the Forest game—where nobody was happy with the performance but the focus shifted to securing the points—Gakpo replied:

“Yeah, I think if you saw how the game was going, not the best game from our side. Not really much happened. And then to get a win, I think everybody would take that.”

Coverage from The Guardian’s Andy Hunter noted that Forest posed threats, with Liverpool relying on Alisson Becker’s saves to stay level until Mac Allister’s intervention.

The Athletic’s James Pearce, in his match analysis, highlighted how the win extended Liverpool’s strong run, having lost only twice since the November 2-1 victory at West Ham.

How Has Liverpool Performed Since the West Ham Win?

Since that November triumph over the Hammers, Liverpool have transformed into a model of consistency. As detailed by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, the Reds have notched 18 wins and draws in 20 Premier League outings, dropping points only twice. This streak includes emphatic home victories and resilient away results, fuelling title aspirations.

Gakpo’s interview touches on this form indirectly, framing the Forest result as a pragmatic addition to the tally. Slot, in comments relayed by Liverpoolfc.com’s Ian Doyle, praised the squad’s mentality:

“We’ve set high standards, and Forest wasn’t it, but results keep us in the hunt.”

Multiple sources corroborate the data. The Mirror’s David Maddock reported that Saturday’s Anfield clash represents a chance to extend the run to 19 unbeaten games against West Ham, who sit mid-table but carry threats from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.

What Is Cody Gakpo’s 50 Goals Landmark?

Central to the Liverpoolfc.com interview is Gakpo’s imminent 50-goal milestone across his career. The 26-year-old has netted 49 goals for club and country, with 18 for Liverpool since his 2023 arrival from PSV Eindhoven. As attributed to Lynch of Liverpoolfc.com, Gakpo discussed hitting the mark:

“Reaching 50 feels like a big step. It’s been a journey—PSV, national team, now here. I’m hungry for more.”

The Athletic’s Pearce, in a separate profile, noted Gakpo’s versatility—deployed as a left-winger, false nine, or central striker—has yielded 12 goals this season alone. Dutch outlet Voetbal International, via reporter Freek Jansen, quoted Gakpo post-international duty: “Liverpool is where I want to peak. Fifty is just the start.”

British media like The Times’ Matt Law emphasise how Gakpo’s finishing has sharpened under Slot, with key strikes against Manchester United and Tottenham accelerating his tally.

Why Are Gakpo’s Performances Improving?

Gakpo’s evolution under Arne Slot forms a key interview theme. Liverpoolfc.com’s Lynch probed the forward on his growing influence, to which Gakpo credited tactical tweaks and team synergy. “My performances are improving because the system suits me,” he explained.

“Slot gives freedom to roam, link play, and finish chances.”

As reported by James Pearce of The Athletic, Gakpo’s heat maps show increased involvement in build-up, averaging 1.2 key passes per game. Slot himself, in a pre-Forest presser covered by Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy, lauded Gakpo: “Cody’s adapting brilliantly—his goals, assists, work rate. He’s becoming indispensable.”

The Guardian’s Hunter detailed statistical upticks: Gakpo’s shot conversion rate has risen from 12% last season to 18% now, per Opta data. Echo journalist Gorst added that Gakpo’s international form—three goals in recent Netherlands games—has translated to club level, boosting confidence.

What Is Gakpo’s Anfield Wish?

Gakpo’s longing for a long-term Liverpool future steals the spotlight. In the Liverpoolfc.com Q&A, he expressed: “Anfield is special. The fans, the atmosphere—I wish to stay here for years, win trophies, make history.” Lynch’s piece frames this as a contract plea, with Gakpo’s deal running to 2028 but extension talks looming.

The Mirror’s Maddock, citing club sources, reported Liverpool’s intent to reward Gakpo amid interest from elsewhere. “He’s our player,” an insider told Maddock. Pearce of The Athletic noted Gakpo’s social media posts hinting at commitment, while Jansen of Voetbal International affirmed: “Cody sees Liverpool as his club.”

Slot reinforced this in BBC comments:

“Cody loves it here. We’re building something special together.”

How Does the West Ham Match Fit into Liverpool’s Season?

Saturday’s Anfield fixture looms large. West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, have won three of their last five, per McNulty of BBC Sport. Yet Liverpool’s home record—unbeaten in 12—tilts the scales.

Gakpo, previewing the game, told Liverpoolfc.com: “West Ham will be tough—they counter fast—but Anfield gives us an edge.” Doyle of Liverpoolfc.com predicted a reaction to the Forest dip, with Gakpo likely starting.

What Do Experts Say About Gakpo’s Role?

Pundits rave. Carragher on Sky Sports: “Gakpo’s underrated—his brain, his feet. Fifty goals incoming.” Neville on The Overlap podcast echoed: “Slot’s unlocked him.”

Broader Context: Liverpool’s Title Push

With Manchester City and Arsenal lurking, Slot’s side lead by four points. Gakpo’s interview, as synthesised across outlets, embodies the blend of grit and ambition defining this campaign.