Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for Liverpool, scoring the breakthrough goal in a vital 2–0 win at West Ham United.
The £125m summer signing from Newcastle ended both his own dry spell and Liverpool’s miserable run of form, helping Arne Slot’s side claim their first league victory in four matches.
The match was played in an emotionally charged London Stadium following the announcement of West Ham legend Billy Bonds’ passing.
But Liverpool, who had lost nine of their previous 12 games, responded with one of their most controlled performances of the season.
In a bold move, Slot left Mohamed Salah out of a league starting XI for the first time since April 2024.
The reshuffle paid off.
Liverpool looked sharper, more balanced, and more inventive, with Florian Wirtz thriving as the creative link behind the front line.
After dominating large spells of the match, Liverpool’s pressure finally told on the hour mark.
Cody Gakpo whipped in a clever cross from the left, and Isak met it with a crisp half-volley to end a 310-minute Premier League goal drought.
West Ham’s hopes evaporated late on when Lucas Paquetá talked himself into two yellow cards within seconds, leaving the home side to finish with 10 men.
Liverpool capitalised, and Gakpo sealed the result deep into stoppage time with a composed low finish.
The win moves Liverpool up to eighth and within three points of the Champions League places.
Under mounting scrutiny, Arne Slot responded with decisive changes.
Salah was benched, Dominik Szoboszlai moved wide right, Gakpo shifted to the left, and Isak was trusted to lead the line.
It created the space and structure for Florian Wirtz to finally shine.
Wirtz delivered his most influential display since joining from Bayer Leverkusen, linking midfield to attack with intelligence while Gravenberch and Mac Allister anchored behind him.
Joe Gomez also returned at right-back, offering more defensive stability and freeing Szoboszlai to impact the game higher up.
Isak, who had only scored once in all competitions since arriving, had threatened earlier before eventually breaking the deadlock.
His movement was sharper, his link play cleaner, and the relief on his face after scoring was obvious.
Liverpool’s organisation, energy, and attacking cohesion were all improved - a performance that should do wonders for both team morale and Slot’s authority after a difficult run.
West Ham struggled to find rhythm on a night overshadowed by the loss of Billy Bonds, one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history.
The atmosphere was subdued, and the team’s performance matched it.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side rarely posed a threat, mustering only a handful of half-chances and forcing Alisson into almost no serious work.
Jarrod Bowen’s late miss was the closest they came to lifting the mood.
Paquetá’s needless argument with referee Darren England - resulting in two quick bookings - summed up West Ham’s frustration.
With just 11 points and hovering above the relegation zone only on goal difference, the Hammers looked well short of their best.
