Liverpool Beat West Ham 2-0: Isak and Gakpo Seal Crucial Victory
Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0 to ease pressure on Slot

Liverpool secured a vital 2-0 victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, providing a much-needed boost for manager Arne Slot after a difficult period. The Reds controlled large portions of the match, with goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ensuring they returned to Merseyside with all three points.

Match Analysis: A Dominant Display in East London

The game's opening goal came from summer signing Alexander Isak, who finally opened his account for the club with a brilliantly taken half-volley. The striker showed sharp instincts to find space and strike the ball cleanly past the West Ham keeper. Later, Cody Gakpo put the result beyond doubt with a composed finish after being set up by Dominik Szoboszlai, offering a timely response to his recent critics.

In midfield, Florian Wirtz was the standout performer, earning the man of the match accolade from Daily Mail Sport's Lewis Steele. The German playmaker ran the show for the first hour, dictating the tempo and creating numerous chances for his teammates. His performance was described as his best in a Liverpool shirt to date.

Player Ratings: Defensive Solidity and Midfield Control

The victory was built on a solid defensive foundation. Joe Gomez, making his first Premier League start since December, was impressive at right-back, proving solid in the air and effective going forward. The centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk also put in a vastly improved performance, effectively dealing with West Ham's aerial threat.

In goal, Alisson commanded his area well and handled crosses with confidence. The win, secured with goals from Isak and Gakpo, eases the growing pressure on manager Arne Slot and provides a positive platform for Liverpool to build upon in the coming weeks.