EPL: Isak ends goal drought as Liverpool beat West Ham 2–0

Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal as Liverpool dismantled West Ham United 2–0, easing pressure on Arne Slot.

Liverpool ended a dismal run of nine defeats in 12 matches, their worst sequence since 1954, with a fully deserved victory.

Slot made a major call by leaving Mohamed Salah out of a league starting line-up for the first time since April 2024, also away at West Ham, ending a streak of 53 consecutive league starts under Jürgen Klopp.

The decision was rewarded with a far more cohesive and energetic display.

Liverpool controlled a subdued West Ham, with Florian Wirtz influential in a free role behind the forwards.

The breakthrough arrived on the hour when Isak, after weeks of personal frustration, met Cody Gakpo’s lifted cross with a crisp half-volley to put Liverpool ahead.

West Ham’s woes deepened six minutes from time when Lucas Paquetá received two quick yellow cards for dissent after protesting a foul.

Liverpool sealed the result in stoppage time, Gakpo capping his excellent performance with a well-taken second goal.

The win lifts Liverpool to eighth place in the Premier League, now just three points outside the top four and marked by Isak’s long-awaited moment.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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