Isak nets maiden Premier League strike for Liverpool in victory over West Ham
Alexander Isak has at last found the net with his debut Premier League goal for struggling Liverpool securing a vital 2-0 triumph against West Ham on Sunday.
Isak had gone without a goal in his initial five league outings after his record-breaking 125 million pound transfer from Newcastle back in September.
The Swedish striker ended that barren spell at the London Stadium marking just his second goal across 11 outings in various competitions for the Reds since his opening effort in a League Cup success over second-division Southampton.
Cody Gakpo added Liverpools second in added time clinching their first victory in four matches across all tournaments.
There is certainly a sense of relief as repeated losses make any win crucial. We barely allowed them a shot and generated opportunities of our own said Reds manager Arne Slot.
It makes a difference not falling behind early as that opens you up. We controlled the match as I envisioned. This performance mattered greatly to the team and supporters.
This marks a positive beginning. We took the points and kept a clean sheet.
Plagued by injuries and low sharpness after skipping pre-season amid his drawn-out deal Isak scored in the league for the first time since his Newcastle effort versus Brighton in May.
Ending the 26 year olds 10 game scoring slump at club and international level brought optimism to Liverpool during a challenging season.
I believe it carries weight Slot commented.
A 4-1 thrashing by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League midweek was Liverpools third straight loss by three or more goals after 3-0 Premier League defeats to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool had dropped nine of their last 12 fixtures their poorest streak since 1953-54 with six losses in seven league games.
As scrutiny grew on Slot this hard fought success provided relief lifting Liverpool to eighth position.
Slot insists he retains player support yet he has found it tough to maximise Mohamed Salahs form since late last term.
Salah has netted only five goals in all competitions this year prompting Slot to bench the Egyptian star for the third occasion this season.
Isak shines
West Ham honoured Billy Bonds with a minutes applause for their iconic ex-captain and boss who passed away on Sunday at 79.
The gritty Bonds would have valued West Hams determined opening but Liverpool gradually dominated.
Isak seemed headed for another tough day firing high from distance early on.
He was then denied by an excellent stop from Alphonse Areola who blocked his near post overhead kick.
This was merely Isaks second shot on goal in the league all season.
Isak broke through with his eagerly awaited goal around the hour.
Gakpo laid the ball off to Isak inside the West Ham box and he slotted a precise low effort beyond Areola before dropping to his knees in joy.
Isak exited shortly after replaced by Slot who offered a touchline clasp.
West Hams woes deepened in the 84th minute as Lucas Paqueta earned a needless red card.
Paqueta received a caution for protesting after Niclas Fullkrugs challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai then earned another yellow by not stepping back from referee Darren England.
Gakpo sealed it late on twisting to rifle home from 12 yards after West Ham botched the clearance.