Alexander Isak finally scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool as the Reds got back to winning ways against West Ham.
Arne Slot headed into Sunday knowing that a bad result at the London Stadium could well cost him his job.
Thankfully for the Dutchman, though, his team turned up in East London and delivered a relatively comfortable 2-0 win.
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Who was your man of the match during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over West Ham?
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Arne Slot after being substituted during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Isak was a key man, firing home the game’s opening goal with a terrific finish at the near post.
It must have been a huge weight off the Swede’s shoulders, and it was great to see him being mobbed by his Liverpool teammates. But while the goal was a relief for Isak, he admitted after the game that the three points felt even better.
Alexander Isak delighted with three Liverpool points
Liverpool paid huge money on Isak for him to put the ball in the back of the net. So far, he simply has not delivered on that.
Thankfully, the 26-year-old picked a big moment to turn things around. His goal to put Liverpool 1-0 up against West Ham could not have been better timed.
Alexander Isak and Ibrahima Konate embrace after Isak's goal for Liverpool against West Ham United in the Premier League at the London Stadium.
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
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Speaking to Sky Sports post-game, Isak was clearly happy with his goal, but also praised his teammates for coming out swinging in a tough moment.
“I’m aware that it has been a long time coming and I have been trying to get back to my best form,” he said.
“I’m still on the way but I am happy to get that goal. The best feeling today is that we win the game and that is the best way to get a good spirit in the group but of course I am a striker so scoring goals will always help me.
“We have to use this win in a good way but also be humble. We have to stay focused and keep working hard to keep this momentum.”
Liverpool finally back to winning ways
There was a clear Man of the Match…
Isak finally feels at home
After 45 minutes of Sunday’s game it had looked like being another potentially frustrating afternoon for Isak.
He had one effort expertly blocked by Alphonse Areola but otherwise he could barely get into the game.
But his goal showed that Isak’s instinct for sticking the ball in the net has not deserted him, and he has a right to feel so much better.
With games now coming thick and fast in the coming weeks, Isak has the perfect platform from which to build on.
After a really tough few months, he finally feels to have arrived as a Liverpool player.
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