Liverpool Break Losing Streak with Hard-Fought Victory as Isak Finally Opens His Account

Liverpool finally halted their alarming slide down the Premier League table with a crucial 2-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. The win ended a dismal run that saw them lose six of their previous seven league matches, a streak that had raised serious questions about their season. While the performance was far from vintage Liverpool, the result provided much-needed relief for a team desperately seeking to rediscover their confidence and form.
The breakthrough moment came courtesy of Alexander Isak, who scored his first league goal for the club since his controversial big-money transfer from Newcastle. The £135 million forward had endured a difficult start to his Liverpool career, failing to find the net in his opening league appearances. His hour-mark strike, a composed first-time finish from Cody Gakpo’s cutback, will hopefully serve as the catalyst for better performances ahead.
Manager Arne Slot made significant tactical adjustments for this fixture, most notably dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench. The Egyptian superstar had been left exposed defensively in recent games, and Liverpool’s defense had conceded three or more goals in three consecutive matches for the first time in 75 years. The return to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dominik Szoboszlai replacing Salah on the right wing, provided better defensive balance.
Florian Wirtz operated in his preferred central creative role, though the German international continues to search for his first goal or assist since his £100 million-plus move from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite looking industrious and tidy throughout, Wirtz hasn’t yet developed the crucial understanding with Isak that Liverpool desperately need. His tendency to drift left has shown promise in combination with Gakpo, but more work is required.
Gakpo sealed the victory late on with a smart swiveling finish, but Liverpool’s performance was far from convincing. West Ham’s task became significantly harder when Lucas Paquetá received two quick yellow cards for dissent, leaving them with ten men. While this was hardly a statement victory, Liverpool will take any win they can get as they attempt to salvage their season and adapt to Slot’s preferred system.