Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for struggling Liverpool, inspiring a much-needed 2–0 win over West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The Swedish striker had failed to score in five league appearances since completing his British-record £125 million ($165 million) move from Newcastle in September. His goal also marked only his second strike in 11 games across all competitions, following his earlier effort in a League Cup win over Southampton.
Cody Gakpo added Liverpool’s second in stoppage time to seal their first victory in four matches.
“There’s definitely a feeling of relief,” Liverpool boss Arne Slot said. “If you’ve lost so many times, winning becomes extremely important. We hardly conceded a chance and created several ourselves. We played the game I wanted us to play. This is a good first step — a win and a clean sheet.”
Isak, who missed pre-season due to his prolonged transfer saga, had not scored in the league since May, when he netted for Newcastle against Brighton. Ending his 10-match goal drought for club and country offered Liverpool a rare bright spot in what has been a miserable campaign.
“It does feel significant,” Slot added.
Liverpool entered the game on the back of a humiliating 4–1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, their third straight loss by three goals or more after 3–0 league defeats to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. They had lost nine of their previous 12 games, their worst run since the 1953–54 season, including six defeats in their last seven league matches.
With pressure mounting on Slot, the scrappy victory lifted Liverpool to eighth place. The manager insisted he still retains the support of his squad, though Mohamed Salah’s poor form continues to be a concern. The Egypt forward has scored just five goals this season and was dropped to the bench for the third time.
Isak delivers
Before kickoff, West Ham held a minute’s applause in honour of club legend Billy Bonds, the former captain and manager who died on Sunday at age 79.
The hosts began brightly, but Liverpool soon asserted control. Isak could have scored twice early on — first blazing over from the edge of the box, then being denied by a brilliant save from Alphonse Areola, who kept out his acrobatic bicycle kick. Remarkably, it was only Isak’s second shot on target in the league this season.
He finally made it count on the hour mark. Gakpo cut the ball back into the area, and Isak guided a precise low shot past Areola before sliding to his knees in celebration. He was substituted moments later to a congratulatory handshake from Slot.
West Ham’s afternoon worsened when Lucas Paquetá was sent off in the 84th minute. Booked for dissent after protesting a foul, the Brazilian earned a second yellow for continuing to argue with referee Darren England.
Gakpo wrapped up the points in stoppage time, swivelling inside the box to fire past Areola after West Ham failed to clear their lines.
AFP
