Alexander Isak finally broke his Premier League duck for Liverpool, scoring a crucial goal in a 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. The win provided a much-needed boost for Arne Slot's side after a dismal run of form.
Isak's Breakthrough Moment
The Swedish international, a £125 million summer signing from Newcastle United, had endured a difficult start to his Anfield career. However, he found the back of the net in the second half at the London Stadium, calmly finishing an assist from Cody Gakpo to give Liverpool the lead.
The goal was met with widespread relief, not just for the player but for the entire team. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was quick to praise the striker's composure, highlighting the difficulty of the chance.
"It was a big moment for him," Carragher told Sky Sports. "He finds space in the box and it's not easy to find space with so many numbers in there. It's a lovely, cushioned finish."
Gakpo Seals the Victory
The home side's task was made even harder when Lucas Paquetá was shown a red card, reducing West Ham to ten men. Liverpool capitalised on their numerical advantage late in the game, with Cody Gakpo scoring the second goal to secure the three points.
The victory was a vital response from Liverpool, who had lost nine of their previous twelve matches across all competitions, including heavy defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.
What This Means for Liverpool's Season
The result leaves Liverpool just three points adrift of the top four, offering a potential turning point in their campaign. For Isak, the goal could be the catalyst he needs to kickstart his Liverpool career after a disrupted pre-season where he missed training to force his move away from Newcastle.
To date, the striker has now scored twice in 12 appearances for the Reds in all competitions. Liverpool's attention now turns to a midweek fixture against Sunderland at Anfield, followed by a trip to face Leeds United.