In a crucifying 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday, Alexander Isak finally scored his first Premier League goal for troubled Liverpool.
Since making a record-breaking £125 million ($165 million) move from Newcastle in September, Isak had not scored in his five top-flight appearances.
With just his second goal in 11 games for the Reds, the Sweden forward’s maiden goal came in a League Cup win over second-tier Southampton, ending that drought at the London Stadium.
In stoppage time, Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool’s second goal to earn their first win of the season overall.
“There is definitely a sense of relief because winning is crucial if you have lost so many times.” Reds manager Arne Slot praised how few chances were given and how many were created by us.
“It helps if you don’t go down by one point after five because you’re more receptive.” We engaged in the game that I had planned. Both our players and our supporters were profoundly affected by what I saw.
“This is a good first step for us,” he said. We won and the sheet was clean.
READ MORE: Foden Scores Late Winner In Man City’s 3-0 victory over Leeds.
After missing the pre-season due to his protracted transfer saga and injuries, Isak hit the league for the first time since scoring for Newcastle against Brighton in May, but injuries and a lack of match fitness prevented him from scoring.
In the midst of a disappointing campaign, Liverpool’s 26-year-old’s 10-game goal drought for the club and nation was a sigh of relief.
According to Slot, “I think it does feel significant.”
Liverpool’s third successive defeat by three goals or more following 3-0 defeats against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the Champions League came in midweek with a 4-1 humiliation against PSV Eindhoven.
Liverpool’s worst run since 1953-54 saw them lose nine of their previous 12 games, including six defeats in seven league games.
This sluggish victory helped Liverpool move up to eighth place as the pressure began to mount on Slot.
Slot insists that despite losing the support of his players, Mohamed Salah has struggled to get the best out of him since the season’s final months.
Salah has scored just five goals overall this year, but Slot responded by benching the Egypt forward for the third time this year.
Isak delivers  .
Billy Bonds, a legendary former team captain and manager, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79, was the subject of a minute’s worth of applause in West Ham’s emotional tribute.
West Ham’s energetic start would have impressed Bonds, but Liverpool eventually took control.
When Isak woefully crossed from the edge of the field in the opening minutes, he looked like he was on to another frustrating afternoon.
Alphonse Areola’s superb save, which kept out his close-range bicycle kick, then thwarted him.
Isak’s second league goal this season was only his second.
On the hour mark, Isak finally scored his long-awaited goal.
Gakpo brought Isak back after cutting the ball past Areola inside West Ham, and he then brought the celebration to his knees.
When Isak was substituted, Slot greeted him on the touchline with a handshake before the day was over.
When Lucas Paqueta was unnecessarily sent off in the 84th minute, West Ham’s frustration increased.
After Niclas Fullkrug’s foul on Dominik Szoboszlai, Paqueta argued with referee Darren England, who later issued a second yellow card, and he was then forced to accept a second yellow card after refusing to leave the official.
In the final moments, Gakpo swiveld to smash the ball past Areola from 12 yards after West Ham made a hash of clearing the area, before putting the outcome beyond question.
Source: Channels TV
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