Carragher’s viral jab fuels Liverpool joy as Barcola debuts at Ipswich

Cody Gakpo’s two assists sealed Liverpool’s 2‑0 victory at Ipswich on Friday night, prompting a wave of online merriment after Jamie Carragher’s cheeky X post about the French debutant. The win marked the Reds’ first triumph of the season, with Alexander Isak scoring both goals.

Isak’s early double

Alexander Isak opened the scoring within the first ten minutes, then doubled Liverpool’s lead before half‑time, taking his season tally to three. The Swede’s clinical finish gave the visitors a comfortable cushion, allowing the manager to experiment later in the game.

Barcola’s debut minutes

French striker Bradley Barcola was named among the substitutes on the bench at Portman Road but entered the fray in the 64th minute for Victor Munoz. He enjoyed 26 minutes of action, recorded twelve touches and delivered one key pass, but failed to produce a headline‑making moment.

Carragher’s post goes viral

After the match, former defender Jamie Carragher shared the comment ON X that “Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo”, adding laughing‑sweat and fire emojis. The quip quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of comments and prompting Andoni Iraola and Virgil van Dijk to voice their enthusiasm for the new recruit.

Both Iraola and captain Virgil van Dijk praised Gakpo’s energy, with the Dutchman providing the assists that unlocked the Ipswich defence. The LIVERPOOL faithful celebrated the result on social media. Van Dijk told the side had been “more direct in the beginning” and called Gakpo “outstanding”, confirming his importance for the campaign.

Earlier, Carragher had suggested that the £80‑85 million fee attached to Gakpo warranted a sale, arguing that Barcola would become a squad player and that the club needed a right‑winger for balance. He also criticised the lack of game time for Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo and Italian winger Federico Chiesa, naming them as players “never going to play”.

Endo, who made twelve appearances in an injury‑hit season, has been on the bench for Liverpool’s first three league games and was omitted from the 25‑man Champions League squad. Carragher’s comments reflected frustration over squad quotas limiting opportunities for non‑homegrown players.

The 2‑0 win at Ipswich ends Liverpool’s winless start and restores confidence ahead of the next fixtures, while Isak’s brace and Gakpo’s creativity offer hope that the Reds can build momentum. Barcola’s brief cameo, though modest, signals the club’s intent to broaden attacking options.