Alexander Isak had not netted in the Premier League since his penalty at Brighton
Alexander Isak and Arne Slot celebrate during Liverpool's win at West Ham
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Alexander Isak admitted his first Premier League goal for Liverpool had been a 'long time coming' after he finally broke his duck to end a 310-minute drought.
The player Newcastle United picked up £130m for celebrated with relief after slotting home for Liverpool in the 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday after scoring in the top flight for the first time since May 4. But he made a big admission afterwards when discussing his overall form since his move from Tyneside to Merseyside.
The Sweden international has struggled for fitness and form since his move and while he got off the mark for the club in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win at home to Southampton in September, he has had to wait until the last day of November to open his account in the top flight.
Isak, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "I'm aware that it's been a long time coming. I've been trying to get back to my best form and I'm still on the way. But I'm happy to have that goal.
"It's a mix [of feelings], of course. The most important [and] best feeling today is that we won the game, that's the best way to get a good spirit within the group, and that's helpful for the individual as well. But, of course I'm a striker, so scoring goals will always help me."
Liverpool are only three points ahead of Newcastle but Isak warned that the Reds must stay grounded despite ending their rotten recent form.
He added: "I think we have to use this win in a good way. But also be humble, because we've had a tough time. One win doesn't necessarily mean that we're back, we have to stay focused and keep working hard to keep this momentum."
He later told Match of the Day: "I've been waiting for it and chasing this goal and sometimes it takes longer than you expect, but I'm happy to score a goal and help towards the win.
"It's never easy. As a striker you need momentum. Sometimes you go through these patches but hopefully this will be helpful towards building good form. We defended really well and scored twice so happy days."
Sunderland stand in Isak and Liverpool's way next as they look to build momentum. Regis Le Bris' side travel to Merseyside on Wednesday for a midweek fixture.
The Black Cats produced a stunning comeback on Saturday to defeat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Stadium of Light, having trailed 2-0 early on.
Isak has come up against Sunderland once before, with happy memories. He scored twice in the FA Cup third round clash between Newcastle and Sunderland almost two years ago. Newcastle fans who have long criticised the striker over the nature of his acrimonious exit from St James' Park will no doubt be cheering him on this Wednesday against their old foes.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hopes his British record buy can now kick on. He said: "It's unfair to him because normally as a No 9, I think in general a No 9 plays more minutes than I've played Alex until now – because of the obvious reasons.
"So even today I had to take him off after 65, I think. So yes, he's already played quite a lot of games but in terms of minutes not so much.
"And it's very important for us as a team that we went 1-0 up, but I think it was also important for him because I think it was his third chance, fourth of this game, and I don't think there was much more than 10 minutes in him to go. So to score just before you come off was important for us but also for him."