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'Gives us energy nobody thought they had' | How Anfield is inspiring Cody Gakpo and Liverpool
Cody Gakpo Chelsea reaction 29.10.2026

The Reds beat Chelsea on penalties in round four of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night and, with that result included, have now recorded five consecutive wins across all competitions.

The three most recent of those victories have come at home and a fourth successive game at Anfield is next up, with Arsenal visiting in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Gakpo drew Liverpool level with a penalty versus Chelsea and again held his nerve from 12 yards as the home side came out on top 6-5 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw.

The forward’s equaliser came almost immediately after Xabi Alonso’s visitors had taken the lead and Gakpo feels that the unwavering backing of the home supporters was key.

Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea | Reds win on penalties!

02:34

Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea | Reds win on penalties!

“Yeah, it is,” the Netherlands international told Liverpoolfc.com when it was put to him that Anfield’s impact on a contest is often ‘magical’.

“Everybody in the stands knows this as well, and when we have a little bit of momentum or a good moment then they get behind us with everything they’ve got.

“I have to say, it always gives us energy which nobody thought they had. It’s very helpful and obviously we are very appreciative of that and we always try to give back.”

The goalscorer continued: “Again, [we played] a tough opponent. It ended 1-1 so it was penalties.

“We had to be super-focused, you know that there’s no extra-time so it’s straight to penalties. We obviously had a little bit of an advantage with the crowd and being at home, so that was nice. I think in the end, a good win.”

Carabao Cup highlights cover - 28/10/2026

Gakpo went on to reveal Liverpool’s players had practised penalties in their matchday-minus-one training session and he knew he would be the designated taker if the Reds were awarded a spot-kick.

“It was a possibility [the tie would go to penalties], obviously we knew that,” he said.

“The coach said it as well [on Tuesday] so everybody took one. I was on pens because obviously Dom [Szoboszlai] is not here and Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] wasn’t playing.

“You’re kind of hoping there will be a penalty... and it happened! It doesn’t happen that often this season but I was happy it was me that could take it.

“Every player does it differently. For me, it was straight – I try to pick a side before I shoot and then just go full confidence in that side and try to hit it as well as I can.”

The Reds can now look forward to a Carabao Cup quarter-final against AFC Bournemouth in December and Gakpo added: “Of course, the further you go in the tournament the closer it gets to the silverware and it’s a competition which goes fast, you play the final in February or March.

“So, it can be a quick silverware for the team and can also give you a boost for the end of the season as well.”

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