BBC pundit believes Liverpool star is now playing the 'best football' of his career after Chelsea display

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live as the match reached half-time tied at 1-1 at Anfield, the former Crystal Palace striker praised the Dutch international after he stepped up to convert a 43rd-minute penalty to level the scoreline: "Yeah, Liverpool deserve it to be fair. They have been the better team.

It was a mistake from Fofana. I don't know why his hand is in the air.

What a penalty from Cody Gakpo into the bottom corner, and he's been a good player for Liverpool this season, I think he's playing his best football." Gakpo sent Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders the wrong way with a clinical sweep into the bottom left corner, registering his seventh Carabao Cup goal at Anfield and continuing a rich vein of form under manager Andoni Iraola. Iraola might need to bring on big guns for second half Despite Gakpo's spot-kick drawing the Reds level after Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Chelsea via a penalty of his own, Iraola faces an immediate tactical dilemma entering the second half.

The Liverpool manager handed starts to a youthful lineup, but midfielders James McConnell and Lewis Koumas both picked up early yellow cards during a physical first 45 minutes. With the match delicately poised at 1-1 at the interval, Iraola may look to his bench early in the second period to avoid discipline risks.

World-class heavyweights Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, and Alexis Mac Allister remain available in reserve to turn the tide at Anfield.