Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed the thinking behind his decision to start without Cody Gakpo in the 2-1 defeat at Selhurst Park.
The Dutch forward was left on the bench initially, with Slot opting to flood the midfield by using Florian Wirtz from the start. However, after a disappointing first half in which Palace took the lead, the plan was scrapped at the break.
“We needed more width once we were chasing the game,” Slot explained, highlighting why Gakpo was introduced for the second half.
The change stretched Palace’s defence and contributed to Federico Chiesa’s late equaliser, which briefly looked like it would salvage a point. But Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time strike ultimately sealed Liverpool’s first loss of the season.
Slot also pointed out frustrations elsewhere, with Wirtz missing a clear chance and Alexander Isak struggling to make an impact. Both players — signed for a combined £241m — are under growing scrutiny to deliver more decisive moments.
Defensively, Liverpool’s problems were also exposed. Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who was strongly linked with a move to Anfield before deadline day, marshalled his team brilliantly while the Reds faltered at the back.
In the end, Slot admitted the gamble to leave out Gakpo didn’t pay off — a reminder that his reshaped Liverpool squad still needs time to settle and adapt.
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