Liverpool getting past Chelsea at Anfield last night was a terrific result, and there is no doubt that reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals is something to celebrate.
It was a tense night, with the sides drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes before Liverpool eventually won 6-5 on penalties. Giorgi Mamardashvili produced a crucial save, Joe Gomez stepped up brilliantly, and Wesley Fofana’s miss sent the Reds through.
But while I was delighted with the result, I cannot ignore some of the performances that concerned me.
In my opinion, Kostas Tsimikas, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo were all very poor against Chelsea. And for two of those players, this is becoming a bigger concern than one disappointing evening.
Tsimikas and Gravenberch Have Been Poor for Too Long
I’ll start with Kostas Tsimikas and Ryan Gravenberch because, in my opinion, their performances have been a problem for much of this season.
Tsimikas has struggled to convince me, and I want to see more from him. There is a difference between being a dependable squad player and consistently giving the team what it needs, and I don’t think he has done enough this season.
His penalty miss against Chelsea added to a frustrating evening. Of course, missing a penalty can happen to anybody, and I am not judging him solely on that moment. My concern is the bigger picture and the standard of his performances over recent months.
Gravenberch is another player I have been disappointed with. We know he has the ability to be an important midfielder for Liverpool, but I haven’t seen enough consistency from him this season.
His challenge on Moisés Caicedo gave Chelsea the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot. It was an unnecessary foul that put Liverpool under pressure, and it was the sort of decision we simply cannot afford to keep making.
To make matters worse, Gravenberch then had his penalty saved in the shootout.
It was not a good night for him, and I feel he needs to raise his level considerably if he wants to remain a regular starter.
Gakpo’s Form Is Starting to Worry Me
Cody Gakpo is a slightly different case because I thought he made a good start to the season.
However, his recent performances have left me wanting much more from him.
Against Chelsea, he scored Liverpool’s equaliser from the penalty spot, and he deserves credit for keeping his composure when the pressure was on. But taking the penalty out of the equation, I didn’t feel he offered enough in open play.
For a player with his quality, I want to see more threat, more decisive moments and better end product.
Gakpo has shown what he can do in a Liverpool shirt, so I know the ability is there. That is precisely why his recent performances have been frustrating.
A good start to the season counts for something, but it cannot be used as a reason to overlook a dip in form. He needs to rediscover that sharpness and confidence before this becomes a longer-term concern.
A Great Result Doesn’t Mean Everything Was Perfect
The important thing is that Liverpool are through to the quarter-finals, and nobody should underestimate how valuable that is.
There were positives on the night, too. Mamardashvili made an important contribution, Joe Gomez showed real composure with his penalty, and the young players gained valuable experience in a competitive cup tie.
But winning does not mean every performance should escape criticism.
I want Liverpool to challenge for trophies, and that means expecting high standards from everyone in the squad. We cannot simply celebrate the result and pretend there were no problems.
Iraola will have seen the same mistakes and weaknesses that frustrated me. With Arsenal coming to Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool need everyone ready to perform at a much higher level.
My Verdict: Celebrate the Win, But Demand More
I am delighted Liverpool beat Chelsea and moved one step closer to another cup run. These are the nights that make following this club so special.
However, my concerns about Tsimikas and Gravenberch have been building throughout the season, while Gakpo’s recent dip in form is becoming harder to ignore.
I am not writing any of them off, and I want all three to prove me wrong. Liverpool need strength in depth if they are going to compete on multiple fronts.
But performances matter, and reputations cannot guarantee a place in the starting XI.
Liverpool got the job done against Chelsea, but if we want to keep winning trophies, Tsimikas, Gravenberch and Gakpo all need to give us much more.
That is my honest opinion as a Liverpool supporter. A terrific result, absolutely — but plenty of room for improvement.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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