Cody Gakpo makes honest Liverpool admission and explains half-time instructions that turned game

Cody Gakpo has admitted his equaliser in Liverpool's 2-1 comeback win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield was intended to be a cross as the Dutchman explained the half-time message that got the Reds back into the game.

Liverpool trailed 1-0 at the break having been comprehensively outplayed by an excellent Brighton side coached by young manager Fabian Hurzeler, but came out in the second half determined to fight their way back into the match. They did just that with goals from Gakpo and a superb winner from Mohamed Salah clinching all three points on an eventful day for the title race.

Manchester City and Arsenal both lost as Arne Slot's side retook the lead at the top of the Premier League table and Gakpo expressed his happiness at his goal to get the Reds back into the game, even if it wasn't intended to hit the back of the net.

READ MORE: 'He witnessed the true power' - national media spot Arne Slot change in 'maelstrom' of Liverpool win

READ MORE: 'Only on television' - Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler makes wild Anfield claim after Liverpool defeat

He said: "The goal, it was actually a cross to be honest but I try to do that from time to time. I’m very happy it went in."

And Gakpo admitted it was a simple message from his manager at the interval after such a poor first half.

Speaking immediately after the final whistle, he said: "Yeah. We needed to put in more energy, to be not so sloppy on the ball and press good. I think the second half was way better and we were dangerous. We created good chances and the goals came.

"It's a nice feeling but I think today the most important one was that we won. It was a difficult game today, a difficult opponent and three points are the most important. I'm very happy that we got them."