Jamie Carragher gave his verdict on why Liverpool was able to stop the rot, as the Reds won 2-0 at West Ham on Sunday.
Liverpool went into the game at the London Stadium off the back of a run of nine defeats in 12 games – and without a Premier League win on the road since September 14 – but goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo secured a much-needed win.
Carragher said that a combination of stability when defending set pieces, cutting out errors, and new signings playing well was behind the victory. "If you keep it really simple - don't concede from a set piece, no big mistake at the back from Konate or Kerkez and one of your summer signings was outstanding - and Liverpool wins the game," Carragher said.
"If Liverpool keep like that over the next few games, they will find themselves right back in the middle of those Champions League places.
"Obviously a million miles away from the title race but just to calm everything down, Liverpool need to be back in the Champions League spots.
"If Liverpool got to a point in the season when that was really in doubt, the pressure would really intensify on the manager."
Florian Wirtz produced one of his best performances – if not his best performance – since joining the Reds, while Isak being among the goalscorers ensured it was a very positive afternoon for Arne Slot's team.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring against West Ham
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring against West Ham (Image: 2025 Izzy Poles - AMA)
Injuries and a general lack of match sharpness have contributed to a very slow start to Isak's Liverpool career, but his finish against West Ham was one of a world-class striker.
After the game, Isak said: "I'm aware that it has been a long time coming and I have been trying to get back to my best form.
"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."