WEST HAM 0-2 LIVERPOOL: Alexander Isak struck home on the hour mark from Cody Gakpo's cross before the Dutchman added a late second after Lucas Paqueta was sent off
Alexander Isak celebrates his goal
Alexander Isak celebrates his goal(Image: Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool to return the Reds to winning ways at West Ham. The Swede struck home on the hour mark to seal all three points for Arne Slot's side.
It came after he had missed a pair of chances in the first half. He was replaced by Hugo Ekitike shortly after getting his name on the scoresheet in what Liverpool hope will be a turning point for them and him.
Cody Gakpo made the points safe in the dying minutes, thrashing home from inside the box after taking down Joe Gomez's pass on his chest.
West Ham failed to test Alisson's goal with enough regularity as the Reds secured a result that takes them to within a point of the Champions League places.
Lucas Paqueta was sent off for dissent before Gakpo's strike as Nuno was left with food for thought with the Hammers still sitting perilously close to the relegation zone.
Here are all the talking points from the London Stadium.
Irons honour legend Bonds
Jarrod Bowen pays tribute to Billy Bonds
Jarrod Bowen pays tribute to Billy Bonds
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There was a sombre atmosphere at the London Stadium prior to kick-off following the sad death of West Ham legend Billy Bonds.
The iconic ex-player and manager passed away aged 79 with the news announced just hours before the Liverpool clash.
Tributes were paid from far and wide and a minute's applause was held before the game started. Current captain Jarrod Bowen held up a shirt bearing Bonds' name and his iconic No.4, before it was placed in front of the stands.
There was a further applause in the fourth minute for one of the most legendary figures in West Ham history.
Isak finally get on the board
Alexander Isak
Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool
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It really hadn't worked for Alexander Isak at Liverpool before today. And, more worryingly, it didn't look particularly likely to click anytime soon.
He had looked a shadow of the player that plundered 52 goals in the previous two seasons for Newcastle, prompting a protracted transfer saga that eventually saw him seal a £125m move to Anfield.
Isak had just a solitary Carabao Cup strike to his name since making the switch to Merseyside. A lack of pre-season has been cited as a reason for his slow start, but this was his 11th appearance for the Reds.
He shot high and wide from the edge of the area in the opening stages and was denied from close range by a smart stop from Alphonse Areola later in the first half.
But, after the break, he finally got his moment in the sun and the one Liverpool fans hope will kickstart his - and their - season.
He struck home delightfully on the hour mark to fire the Reds in front from Cody Gakpo's pass, finishing into the bottom corner for his first Premier League goal in Liverpool colours.
Slot makes Salah decision
Mohamed Salah
Salah remained on the bench for Liverpool
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Mohamed Salah's five goals in 18 appearances so far this term represented a meagre return heading into this one. But it was still a big decision from Arne Slot to leave his talisman on the bench.
Salah has plundered 250 goals for the Reds since joining in 2017 and was imperious last season with 34 strikes in all competitions to win a second Premier League title.
Even when goal scorer Isak was withdrawn after 67 minutes, Hugo Ekitike was preferred by Slot to join the Reds' attack. Maybe, just maybe, Slot is looking to the future and finding a way to win without his star turn.
Paqueta's moment of madness
Lucas Paqueta is sent off
Paqueta talked himself into a red card
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Lucas Paqueta is a wonderful footballer to watch on his day. But his petulance is beginning to become more prominent than his talent.
Having just returned from a suspension, he talked himself into another one as he was given his marching orders with six minutes remaining.
He begun complaining about a free-kick awarded to Liverpool and was booked by the referee for his protestations. Despite efforts of both his teammates and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to restrain him, he carried on and was eventually sent off.
Paqueta owes his teammates and manager a big apology because it ended any hopes they had of getting back into the game.
Crisis, what crisis?
Arne Slot salutes the Liverpool fans after the game
Arne Slot salutes the Liverpool fans after the game
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Such is the nature of the Premier League this season, this was a result that took Liverpool to within a point of the Champions League places.
Arne Slot won't get too high after a 1-0 win over West Ham, but knows it will quieten some of his doubters who had even begun to suggest he could be close to the sack. His name was loudly sung by the travelling supporters at the end of the game.
The Reds face newly promoted Sunderland and Leeds in their next two games. Six points from those and things will all of a sudden look much rosier in the Anfield garden.
Reality check for Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo
West Ham remain perilously close to the relegation zone
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West Ham had turned a corner, taking seven points from their last three Premier League games before this one to pull themselves out of the bottom three.
But such was their start under Graham Potter, they were still deep in trouble and remain so after this defeat. The Hammers have Phil Foden to thank for his late winner against Leeds yesterday, otherwise they would be back in the bottom three.
They remain 17th on goal difference, but still have an almighty scrap on their hands to retain their top-flight status after a largely toothless attacking display here.
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