Cody Gakpo removed his shirt and revealed a ‘I belong to Jesus’ message after scoring as Liverpool close in on the Premier League title.
On Sunday, Liverpool hosted lowly Spurs knowing just a point at Anfield would secure a second Premier League title in club history – and tie Manchester United’s record of 20 First Division titles. Dominic Solanke threatened to spoil the party when he scored early, but the Reds hit back.
Luis Diaz poked home following a VAR check to equalize, ensuring the Spurs lead lasted just four minutes. Then, with Liverpool legends like Ian Rush and Kenny Daglish in attendance, Alexis Mac Allister scored a stunning strike as he rifled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Gakpo then made it three, taking advantage of slack Spurs defending from a corner to roll the ball past Vicario into the far corner. The Dutchman celebrated by immediately removing his shirt, which revealed the words: “I belong to Jesus.”
Given he removed his shirt in celebration, Gakpo was shown a yellow card by referee Tom Bramall. The moment evoked memories of Kaka wearing the same shirt when AC Milan defeated Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League Final – and it may provide some level of respite for Reds fans watching on as the shirt is now linked with much warmer memories.
It’s unclear if Gakpo, who had scored earlier but the goal was ruled out as Mohamed Salah was offside in the build up, was honoring Kaka or simply unknowingly doing a similar celebration. Gakpo removed his shirt and saluted the fans in the Anfield Road End.
(Image: Getty Images)
Gakpo’s goal to give Liverpool a two-goal lead means the Reds can get ready to party and celebrate the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. The coveted 20th top flight crown is on the line which would also represent a first league championship won in front of a home crowd since 1990 after they won the COVID-affected season.
Boasting a 12-point lead over nearest challengers Arsenal, the Gunners’ draw against Crystal Palace in midweek means that the title is within Liverpool’s grasp. The goals from Diaz, Mac Allister, and Gakpo has almost wrapped up the championship, with all three scorers set to taste Premier League victory for the first time in their careers.
Slot has masterminded an incredible debut campaign in the Anfield dugout after the Dutchman took over from Jurgen Klopp less than 12 months ago. Gakpo’s goal to give Liverpool a two-goal cushion made it certainly seem as though this could be the day that Slot’s first piece of silverware in charge of the Reds is confirmed, capping off a dominant league campaign.
