🏟️🏟️Isak’s flick for Gakpo’s equalizer – did he mean that?

⚽ Isak’s Flick for Gakpo’s Equalizer – Did He Really Mean It?

One of the most talked-about moments in Liverpool’s thrilling draw came from Alexander Isak, whose stunning flick created Cody Gakpo’s equalizer — and fans are still debating whether the Swedish striker truly meant that outrageous touch or if it was just a stroke of luck. Let’s break it down in full detail 👇

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🎬 The Build-Up

The move began when Trent Alexander-Arnold lofted a precise diagonal ball into the box. Isak, who had drifted between the center-backs, positioned himself perfectly to receive it. As the pass dropped, instead of trying to control or turn, he produced a clever back-heel flick that completely wrong-footed the defenders.

The ball rolled straight into the path of Cody Gakpo, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper to bring Liverpool level. It was a brilliant goal — one that looked straight out of a training-ground routine.

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🤔 Did Isak Actually Mean It?

This is where the debate begins. Watching the replay from multiple angles, a few details stand out:

Body position: Isak opens up his body and slightly glances behind before making contact — suggesting he knew Gakpo was making that run.

Timing: The flick wasn’t rushed or panicked. It was perfectly weighted, not too hard, not too soft — the kind of execution that requires precision and awareness.

Composure: There’s no sign of surprise on Isak’s face after the ball reaches Gakpo. Instead, he turns immediately, expecting the shot — another clue that it was intentional.

All of this hints that Isak’s assist was no accident. It was the work of a confident player with top-class awareness and creativity.

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💬 Expert & Fan Reactions

Pundits after the match couldn’t stop talking about it.

Jamie Carragher called it “a moment of genius that shows Isak’s football IQ.”

Micah Richards added, “That’s not a lucky flick. He knew exactly what he was doing — that’s pure instinct from a top striker.”

However, some fans on social media still argue it might have been improvised under pressure — that he was trying to control the ball and it accidentally fell to Gakpo.

But regardless of intention, the execution was flawless, and the outcome was one of the standout moments of the match.

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🧠 The Bigger Picture

Even if there’s doubt about whether he meant it, this moment underlines Isak’s composure, technical brilliance, and intelligence in tight spaces. His ability to make something happen with a single touch is exactly what sets elite forwards apart.

For Gakpo, it was a crucial goal — but for Isak, it was a statement: he’s not just a finisher, he’s a creator capable of moments of magic.

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⚡ Summary

Moment: Isak’s flick sets up Gakpo’s equalizer

Debate: Intentional skill or lucky touch?

Evidence: Body position, awareness, reaction — all suggest he meant it

Reaction: Praised as “pure football intelligence” by pundits

Impact: Showed Isak’s class and vision under pressure

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So, did Isak mean it?

All signs point to yes — a calculated, instinctive flick from a striker who’s seeing the game one step ahead. Whether planned or improvised, it was a touch of brilliance that changed the game. 🔥