Alexander Isak of Liverpool looks dejected during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on November 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)placeholder image
Alexander Isak of Liverpool looks dejected during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on November 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Alexander Isak endured another tough game after joining Liverpool for a British record fee of £125 million.
Alexander Isak has equalled an unwanted record as Liverpool’s horrendous form continued.
The Reds’ 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest was their sixth defeat in seven Premier League games. Having been favourites to defend the title at the start of the campaign, pressure has now ramped up on head coach Arne Slot. Liverpool could find themselves 11 points behind leaders Arsenal come Sunday evening after just 12 fixtures.
A summer squad overhaul has so far backfired. The Reds shattered the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million. But Isak arrived short of fitness and then suffered a groin injury. In addition, he has joined while Liverpool have been in insipid form.
The Sweden international was handed a fourth Premier League start against Forest as Slot tried to fast-track his fitness. But Isak had just 15 touches throughout the game and lost all seven duels he was involved in. He also had just one shot that was tame and ran well off target before being replaced by Federico Chiesa in the 68th minute.
And yet again, after featuring from the outset, Isak was on the end of a defeat. Isak was also on the losing side of games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Manchester United. Per Opta statistician Michael Reid on X, Isak is the first Liverpool player to lose all four of his first top-flight league starts since Percy Saul in October 1906.
In addition, Isak still awaits his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in what was his fifth appearance. He has netted just once in nine games in all competitions to date.
In fairness, Isak was scarcely the only player at fault in the defeat. The Reds’ issues this campaign were typified in 90 minutes. They are vulnerable in defence, especially from set-pieces, and mentally collapsed after Forest’s opener having dominated the opening 30 minutes. But it was not like visiting goalkeeper Mats Selz was put under siege. Alexis Mac Allister had an effort well cleared off the line but, bar that, Forest made several brave blocks and the saves Selz made were comfortable.
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