Alexander Isak's lack of sharpness was evident against West Ham, as Florian Wirtz missed out on his first Premier League assist.
Liverpool faced the Hammers in London, hoping to end a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions. The Reds went into Sunday's game having lost nine of their last 12 games, with summer signings Isak and Wirtz struggling to make an impact at Anfield.
Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116 million ($153.7 million) deal, failed to register an assist or goal in the Premier League prior to Sunday, while Isak had only one Liverpool goal to his name following his £125 million ($165.6 million) move from Newcastle.
The struggling pair got another chance to impress against West Ham after Arne Slot adjusted his starting XI, and Wirtz took his opportunity during the first half. The German was arguably the best player on the pitch, creating chances for Isak.
One such chance came around 15 minutes into the game. Wirtz danced down the left and played the ball across the six-yard box, but Isak failed to get on the end of his cross. "It's a wonderful ball in," said former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green on Sky Sports.
"A striker on top form and match fit would be attacking the near post. You see the space Wirtz is in, and he's eyeing up, get across the near post and get there."
Florian Wirtz was the best player on the pitch during the first half
Florian Wirtz was the best player on the pitch during the first half (Image: Getty Images)
Isak was also denied from point-blank range by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola during the first half. The Swedish star is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe after scoring 54 Premier League goals during his three-year spell at Newcastle.
Yet Isak will need to rediscover his form and match fitness quickly if the Reds are going to get their season back on track. Liverpool went into Sunday's game in the bottom half of the Premier League, despite winning the division comfortably last season.
As for Wirtz, if he keeps on playing like this, he'll soon start picking up assists and goals in the Premier League. The midfielder also had a good opportunity to score during the first half but failed to beat Areola.
"Wirtz is the one I'm looking at now - he's picked up good positions and looks lively for Liverpool this afternoon," said former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, said on Sky Sports: "(Wirtz) has been the best player on the pitch.
"It's his best 45 minutes in a Liverpool shirt.
"I thought initially he'd be on the right, but he's been in his favored position, tucked in on the left between the lines.
"He should do better with his chance, but he's been head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch."