Isak's Relief as Goal Drought Ends in London
Striker Alexander Isak confessed that a significant weight had been lifted from his shoulders after he finally scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a badly needed 2-0 away win against West Ham United. The £125 million forward had endured a frustrating ten-game wait for the milestone, which culminated in a composed finish at the London Stadium that set his team on the path to a much-needed three points.
Slot's Tactical Shake-Up Pays Dividends
The breakthrough arrived on the hour mark, with Isak expertly guiding a pass from Cody Gakpo into the bottom corner of Alphonse Areola's net. This came after the French goalkeeper had repeatedly denied the Swedish international earlier in the match. The goal was a catalyst for Arne Slot's side, stopping a grim run of nine defeats in their last twelve matches across all competitions.
Manager Arne Slot had made a bold decision before kick-off, dropping star forward Mohamed Salah to the bench and reinstating Florian Wirtz to the attack. This reshuffle provided the sharper movement behind Isak that Liverpool had been sorely lacking during their recent slump. Wirtz's ability to drift between the lines and link effectively with Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch allowed Liverpool to control the game for large periods, keeping West Ham at arm's length during a composed opening hour.
A Win for Morale, But Humility is Key
Speaking after the match, Isak was open about his personal relief. 'Yeah of course, I'm aware that it's been a long time coming and I've been trying to get back to my best form,' he said. 'I'm still on the way, but I'm happy to have that goal. The best feeling today is that we win the game, that’s the best way to get a good spirit within the group.'
However, the striker was quick to warn against overconfidence. He reflected that consistency has been the missing ingredient during Liverpool's recent struggles. 'We have to use this win in a good way but also be humble, because we’ve had a tough time,' Isak stated. 'One win doesn’t necessarily mean we’re back; we have to stay focused and keep working hard to keep this momentum.'
For manager Arne Slot, the overriding emotion at full-time was one of palpable relief. He specifically thanked the travelling Liverpool supporters for their unwavering backing during a difficult period for the club. '(It means) a lot,' Slot said. 'It says a lot about the club and fans that they were not only supportive of me but the whole team... that is special.' He argued that his team showed improved balance and structure after a spell where both confidence and tactical discipline had wavered, notably following their Champions League defeat to PSV.
Liverpool now faces a decisive week, with a home fixture against Sunderland followed by a trip to Leeds United. These upcoming matches will truly test whether this victory over West Ham represents a genuine turning point or is merely a temporary pause in their ongoing challenges.
