Alexander Isak's slow start to life at Liverpool continued against Manchester United last night.
Liverpool legend John Aldridge believes Alexander Isak now being at a “big club” is affecting his start to life at Anfield.
Newcastle United fans watched with delight as the Swede endured another disastrous evening under Arne Slot. Isak - who has just one Carabao Cup goal since leaving the Magpies - missed a huge first-half chance to break the deadlock and was hooked as Liverpool chased an equaliser.
Many thought the Premier League title race was over the moment Isak got his deadline-day wish to Merseyside. However, the Reds have now slipped four points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Liverpool legend makes ‘pressure’ claim
Former striker Aldridge has now claimed the “pressure” at Liverpool is far greater than anything Isak experienced as a Newcastle player. He told LFC TV: “I expect him to score them. The first one, that he snatched at, I expect him to hit the target at least, but the second one, in the corner, it was pretty much near the goalkeeper.
“When you see him at Newcastle, he finds the corners really well. Again, it is the pressure of being a Liverpool player, scrutinised. He’s not at Newcastle now. We are one of the biggest clubs in the world and you are scrutinised in every game.
“If you make mistakes, wow, they are on top of you. You’ve got to stand up and be counted. I’m pretty sure Isak will get the goals, but we’ve got to find a way to get him the chances as well.”
Alan Pardew makes Alexander Isak comparison
Reacting to Isak firing a blank against Manchester United, former Toon boss Pardew said: “There’s been very big signings (at Liverpool). Two of the most expensive players in Europe. Salah, has his nose been put out of joint by the attention Isak has got?
“This Isak one, I just wonder whether it mirrors Torres. Remember when Torres went to Chelsea? He was absolutely phenomenal at Liverpool. Everyone thought when he went to Chelsea it will be game over. It just didn’t pan out.
He obviously won a Champions League medal but, it terms of Isak, is he going to be the player we saw at Newcastle? Or is he going to be different? At the moment, he’s not match-fit, so it’ll be a little bit unfair to judge him, but it’s a slow start.”
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Arne Slot on Liverpool concern
Speaking post-match, Arne Slot admitted Liverpool’s form - having lost their previous four games - is concerning. He told reporters: “Of course, it concerns you if you lose four times in a row. You have to be concerned because you know how it works in football. If we can keep making performances like this we will have a good chance of winning a game of football.
“But you never know if the next game you’ll be able to create, what - 8, 9, 10 chances from open play? We came back and if that mentality is there there’s a lot to take into upcoming games.”
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