Isak scores first goal as Liverpool defeat West Ham in Premier League

Alexander Isak, the under-pressure football champions, put an end to a poor run of form with a much-needed 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, marking Liverpool’s first English Premier League goal.

Mohamed Salah was eliminated from his starting lineup for the first time in the Premier League after their worst spell in over 70 years, losing nine of their previous 12 games.

Florian Wirtz looked skilled, but he let go of Liverpool’s best chance in the first half with a weak effort that gave goalkeeper Alphonse Areola a chance.

Before the break, Isak had missed two chances to score well and had a good reaction stop from Areola midway through the half.

The Reds took the lead slightly deserved and never looked like giving up when the Sweden striker slotted home a Cody Gakpo pullback on the hour mark.

Lucas Paqueta, who was ostensibly booked twice for dissent with less than ten minutes to go, helped Liverpool’s cause, before Gakpo added a second goal in the 92nd minute to add to the trio’s three points.

Liverpool moved up to eighth place with 21 points from 13 games, while West Ham are 17th with 11 points, which is equal to 18th-placed Leeds United, with their second victory in eight league games.

Isak put an end to Liverpool’s losing run.

West Ham entered the game after back-to-back home victories and appeared to have turned the corner, as fans and players paid tribute to former captain, coach, and manager Billy Bonds, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.

However, after scoring 10 goals in their last three games, Liverpool ultimately had too much quality and, crucially for Slot, kept their fifth consecutive win.

Isak’s effort was well over the bar with his drawn-out move from Newcastle United still glaringly unrelated to him, who could have had the lead within four minutes.

After the break, West Ham’s fans began to believe Liverpool were in the possession of them, and Paqueta sent a half-volley from 30 yards narrowly wide.

Isak was unmarked in the box as Liverpool recovered possession from a throw-in and coolly side-footed into the bottom corner in the 60th minute.