Cody Gakpo’s clinical finish at 3:00 p.m. BST sealed a dominant Liverpool display, thrilling the traveling supporters and underlining the team’s strength in their first pre-season match.
His goal, which followed earlier efforts from Darwin Núñez and Conor Bradley, concluded a game charged with emotion, as it featured a touching tribute to the late Diogo Jota.
The goal resulted from a rapid counter-attack initiated by 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, whose dazzling dribbling dismantled Preston’s backline. Ngumoha threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Gakpo, who calmly controlled the ball and curled a low shot beyond goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
Fans hailed the strike on social media as “pure class,” reflecting Gakpo’s increasing confidence under new manager Arne Slot, who views the 25-year-old as a key figure in his 3-4-3 formation. One fan tweeted, “Gakpo’s finish was ice-cold! That’s our title defense started right!” The goal effectively secured victory, despite Preston pulling one back in the 75th minute.
Gakpo’s performance held added significance in a match honoring Jota, highlighted by a pre-match hologram and moment of silence. Gakpo’s goal celebration—pointing skyward—mirrored Núñez’s earlier gesture and deeply resonated with fans still mourning Jota. Slot praised the forward afterward, stating, “Cody’s composure in front of goal is exactly what we need. He’s emerging as a leader.”
After scoring 18 goals in 48 appearances last season, Gakpo’s ability to play across the frontline makes him indispensable, particularly as uncertainty lingers over Núñez and Luis Díaz’s futures.
Broadcast live on ITV, the match also showcased promising performances from Liverpool’s new signings—Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez—while Ngumoha’s assist further heightened anticipation around the academy talent.
Despite Preston’s physical play, Liverpool’s aggressive pressing, highlighted by Núñez’s goal from a defensive error and Bradley’s earlier finish assisted by Ngumoha, emphasized the team’s attacking options. As the Reds gear up for their Asia tour and the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace on August 10, Gakpo’s decisive goal sends a strong message: Liverpool are ready to defend their title with passion, precision, and purpose.