Alexander Isak has been dubbed the 'Prime Minister of Misery' by talkSPORT's Jeff Stelling after failing to smile following his first Premier League goal for Liverpool. The Swedish striker broke the deadlock in the 2-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday, coolly side-footing home from 12 yards after a cutback from Cody Gakpo.
Despite opening his account for the Reds in the top flight, Isak's expression was notably subdued. Stelling remarked: 'He scored a great goal, but his celebration was grim-faced. Alexander Isak is the Prime Minister of misery.' Co-host Ally McCoist added: 'I like my goalscorers to be happy. The whole object of the game is to put the ball in the back of the net. When you do it why don't you just enjoy it?'
Isak, who joined Liverpool for a significant fee, has struggled for form this season. Stelling suggested: 'He looks like he has with that price tag. He hasn't delivered so far... At the moment, he needs to get the fans on side somehow and maybe show a bit of joy and a little bit of passion.'
After the match, Isak acknowledged the weight of expectation, saying: 'I'm aware that it's been a long time coming. I've been trying to get back to my best form and I'm still on the way. But I'm happy to have that goal.' Manager Arne Slot also noted the importance of the strike for Isak's confidence: 'I think it was his third or fourth chance of this game. To score just before you come off was important for us, but also for him.'
Isak's mood may not have improved after the subsequent draw with Sunderland, where he failed to score and was substituted late on. The striker will hope to build on his goal and show more joy in future celebrations.
