Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool since his record £125m move from Newcastle United as Arne Slot’s side ended their wretched run with a much-needed victory at West Ham United.
On an occasion of high emotion following the announcement of the death of legendary former Hammers captain and manager Billy Bonds, the Reds ended a dismal sequence of nine defeats in 12 games with a deserved success.
Head coach Slot dropped Mohamed Salah from a league starting line-up for the first time since April 2024, also at West Ham – a run of 53 games – under his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, and was rewarded with a much-improved display.
Liverpool dominated a subdued West Ham, with Florian Wirtz excelling in a role behind the strikers, before Isak ended his personal struggles with a fine half-volley from Cody Gakpo’s cross on the hour.
The home side’s misery was compounded six minutes from time when Lucas Paqueta was shown two yellow cards by referee Darren England in quick succession – the second for arguing the initial booking for a foul.
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Liverpool then added a second goal their superiority deserved when Gakpo finished well in stoppage time.
Liverpool head coach Slot answered the growing questions about the disappointing form of Salah by dropping the Egyptian and re-shaping his attacking options.
Isak started as striker ahead of Hugo Ekitike, while Dominik Szoboszlai played on the right with Gakpo on the left,
It allowed German playmaker Wirtz to have one of his best games for Liverpool since his summer arrival, linking play with intelligence between attack and midfield as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister provided a solid base.
Slot also stiffened his defence by playing Joe Gomez at right-back, allowing Szoboszlai to use his influence further forward.
Swedish frontman Isak – whose only Liverpool goal this term came in the Carabao Cup game against Southampton in September – had opportunities before his instinctive finish, having a close-ranged hooked finish saved well by Alphonse Areola.
Wirtz was also denied his first goal since his £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen with a weak low finish saved by Areola.
Liverpool looked more organised and composed, with more threat further forward, and this is the sort of performance and result that will do wonders for confidence, particularly that of Isak and Wirtz.
