Cody Gakpo Dazzles as Liverpool Beat Bournemouth 1-0

Liverpool continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon. Alexander Isak scored the only goal, assisted by Florian Wirtz, but it was Cody Gakpo's lung-busting run and cross from the right that created the decisive moment.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Result: Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool
  • Goalscorer: Alexander Isak
  • Assist: Florian Wirtz
  • Key performer: Cody Gakpo (3 key passes, 8 duels won, 51 touches)
  • Context: Liverpool avenged last season's 3-2 defeat at the Vitality Stadium

The numbers

  • Cody Gakpo key passes: 3
  • Cody Gakpo duels won: 8
  • Cody Gakpo touches: 51
  • Gakpo 2025/26 season stats (6 matches): 2 goals, 4 assists

Why Gakpo is now undroppable under Iraola

Cody Gakpo produced a performance that underlined his growing importance to this Liverpool side. Starting on the right wing — not his natural position — he rode two challenges before delivering the cross that led to Alexander Isak's winner. His work off the ball was equally impressive, winning eight duels and providing three key passes. With 51 touches, he was constantly involved.

The Dutchman's form has been a revelation. He has two goals and four assists in six matches this campaign, and Liverpool's decision to keep him looks increasingly wise. The club were open to selling him for the right price in the summer, and Manchester City were keen, but no deal materialised because Liverpool failed to find a suitable replacement. That has proved a blessing in disguise.

Manager Andoni Iraola now appears to have a dilemma on the flanks. New signing Bradley Barcola is expected to start on the left wing, while Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz are yet to establish themselves — Ngumoha lacks experience at the highest level, and Munoz is still adapting to the demands of the Premier League. Gakpo's ability to perform from the right makes him indispensable.

Talking points

  • Gakpo's flexibility across the front line gives Iraola a tactical edge, but is he truly a long-term solution on the right wing?
  • Liverpool's failure to sign a replacement in the summer may have been a blessing, but does it leave them short in other areas?
  • With Barcola expected to start on the left, could Gakpo's form force a rethink of the attacking pecking order?
  • Is Gakpo now the first name on the team sheet, or will Ngumoha's development change the dynamic later in the season?

What happens next

Liverpool will look to extend their unbeaten start when they return to action after the international break. Gakpo's form will be crucial as they face a run of fixtures that will test their title credentials. Iraola must decide whether to keep him on the right or restore him to his preferred left-wing role once Barcola is fully integrated.

Frequently asked questions

Did Liverpool beat Bournemouth?

Yes, Liverpool won 1-0 at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, with Alexander Isak scoring the only goal.

Who assisted Alexander Isak's goal?

Florian Wirtz provided the assist, but the goal was largely created by Cody Gakpo's run and cross from the right flank.

Why is Cody Gakpo undroppable under Andoni Iraola?

Gakpo has two goals and four assists in six matches and delivered a standout performance against Bournemouth, making him indispensable given the lack of established alternatives on the right wing.

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