Gakpo, Szoboszlai Clash with Liverpool Fans Over Trent Boos | OneFootball

Alexander-Arnold Booed Amidst Emotional Anfield Stalemate

Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield was far from a dead rubber, despite the Premier League title already being wrapped up by Jürgen Klopp’s side. While the match had its fair share of drama, it was the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold — and the reaction it provoked — that stole the spotlight on Sunday afternoon.

https://x.com/IanDoyleSport/status/1921618499316621473

Liverpool Start Fast but Lose Grip

There was an unmistakable swagger to Liverpool’s early play, befitting their status as champions. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring with a composed finish, before Luis Díaz doubled the advantage in swift succession, sending the Anfield crowd into raptures.

For the opening half-hour, the Reds were dominant — fluid in possession, aggressive in the press, and incisive in the final third. Arsenal, second-best by some margin, struggled to contain a Liverpool side playing with freedom.

But as has occasionally been the case this season, Liverpool’s intensity waned. Gabriel Martinelli halved the deficit before the interval, and Mikel Merino — capitalising on some slack defending — drew the visitors level in the second half. From that point, the game ebbed and flowed, with neither side able to find a winner.

Photo: IMAGO

Alexander-Arnold Reception Divides Opinion

The match’s defining moment came in the 67th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold entered the fray. The right-back, whose contract situation has caused friction among the fanbase, was met with a chorus of boos from his own supporters.

Liverpool fans, renowned for their loyalty and emotional investment, made their feelings unmistakably clear. Their frustration stems from Alexander-Arnold’s decision to run down his contract in favour of a move to Real Madrid — a move many perceive as a betrayal.

This sentiment, however, did not sit well with all in the Liverpool camp.

https://x.com/LewisSteele_/status/1921618653516038577

Gakpo and Szoboszlai React to Fan Frustration

Post-match, Cody Gakpo was seen remonstrating with sections of the Anfield crowd, visibly displeased with the reaction aimed at his teammate. Dominik Szoboszlai, too, reportedly shared his disapproval of the booing, with both players seemingly unable to reconcile the intensity of the fans’ anger.

As journalist Ian Doyle observed on X: “Gakpo was one of those remonstrating with supporters at the final whistle.”

Supporters who have followed Liverpool through every twist and turn this season might feel let down by their players’ response. It’s not just about Alexander-Arnold’s impending departure — it’s about loyalty, communication, and respect. The message from the terraces was unambiguous: actions have consequences.

Emotional Disconnect Evident Between Fans and Players

The reaction from Gakpo and Szoboszlai suggests a potential disconnect between the squad and its fanbase. While both players are well within their rights to feel protective of a teammate, critics argue that such opinions are best kept private.

For Gakpo and Szoboszlai, both relatively new arrivals at Anfield, this incident may prove to be a valuable lesson in understanding what Liverpool Football Club means to its supporters. Passion runs deep here — and it always will.

While the debate over Alexander-Arnold’s reception is unlikely to fade overnight, there’s a shared hope that this emotional episode can now be drawn to a close. Moving forward, unity between the pitch and the stands will be crucial as the Klopp era winds down and a new chapter begins.