Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for Liverpool with a second-half strike that set the Reds on their way to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The Swedish striker, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle in September for a British record £125 million, had gone five league games without a goal since the big-money move. His 60th-minute finish ended the drought and gave Arne Slot’s struggling side their first win in four matches across all competitions.
Cody Gakpo sealed the three points deep into stoppage time after West Ham were reduced to ten men when Lucas Paqueta picked up two quick yellow cards for dissent in the 84th minute.
The victory lifts Liverpool to eighth in the table and offers a much-needed breathing space for manager Arne Slot, whose team had lost nine of their previous 12 games in what has become their worst run since the 1953-54 season.
West Ham paid an emotional pre-match tribute to club legend Billy Bonds, who passed away on Sunday aged 79, with a minute’s applause echoing around the stadium in memory of the former captain and manager.
On the pitch, the Hammers started brightly but gradually faded as Liverpool grew into the game. Isak wasted two early chances, first blasting over from the edge of the box and then being denied by a brilliant Alphonse Areola save from a bicycle kick.
The breakthrough finally came on the hour when Gakpo pulled the ball back from the left and Isak calmly side-footed home from 12 yards before sliding on his knees in celebration.
Moments later, Slot replaced the relieved striker to a warm embrace on the touchline.
Paqueta’s late dismissal for arguing with referee Darren England handed Liverpool full control, and Gakpo made sure of the points in added time with a sharp turn and finish after West Ham failed to clear their lines.
The clean sheet and three points mark a timely boost for Liverpool, who had shipped heavy defeats to Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven in recent weeks.
Next up for the Reds is a home clash against Everton, while West Ham travel to Leicester still searching for consistency under Julen Lopetegui.
