Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for Liverpool, scoring the decisive goal in a much-needed 2–0 victory away to West Ham on Sunday.
The Sweden forward had failed to score in five league appearances since completing his British-record £125 million transfer from Newcastle in September. His only previous Liverpool goal had come in the League Cup against Southampton.
At the London Stadium, however, Isak ended a 10-match goal drought for club and country, guiding in Cody Gakpo’s cut-back just after the hour mark. Gakpo later added a stoppage-time second to secure Liverpool’s first win in four matches across all competitions.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted the relief was palpable after a turbulent spell that included a 4–1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in midweek and back-to-back 3–0 league losses to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
“There’s definitely a feeling of relief,” Slot said. “We hardly conceded a chance and we created plenty. This is a good first step for us.”
Injuries and a disrupted pre-season had hampered Isak since his arrival, but his sharp finish offered a rare bright spot in a campaign marked by inconsistency. Liverpool had lost nine of their previous twelve matches — their worst run since 1953–54 — and pressure on Slot had begun to mount.
Slot again left Mohamed Salah on the bench, the Egyptian’s form having dipped markedly since the end of last season. Salah has only five goals in all competitions this term.
West Ham, who paid tribute with a minute’s applause to former captain and manager Billy Bonds following his passing at the age of 79, began brightly. Alphonse Areola denied Isak’s bicycle kick in the first half, and the striker also fired over from the edge of the box.
But once Isak struck, Liverpool took control. West Ham’s hopes faded further when Lucas Paquetá received two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession.
The hosts’ frustration deepened in the 90th minute when a defensive mix-up allowed Gakpo to turn and finish from twelve yards, sealing a vital victory that lifted Liverpool to eighth in the table.
