Alexander Isak finally got his first Premier League goal for Liverpool.
For the first time in quite a few weeks, there were many positives to take from the Reds’ recent performance, with the first, of course, being the result.
But as well as their 2-0 win, some individuals had their best games in a Liverpool shirt this season, with Isak one of the players who received his plaudits for the way in which he took his goal.
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How good was Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool?
Reds fans will be hoping that this could be the start of something new, with this perhaps just what he needed to get his confidence back after a tricky summer.
As well as this, he simply has to start Liverpool’s next game for one big reason, and he might even be able to get a few Newcastle fans back on side.
Alexander Isak has to start against Sunderland
Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Although Liverpool have another good option in Hugo Ekitike, Isak surely has to start up front against Sunderland to try and get some consistency going.
His finish against West Ham was clinical and Sunderland fans know all too well about the danger he possesses, with the Black Cats on the receiving end of an excellent Isak performance at the start of 2024.
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The Swede scored twice for Newcastle against their biggest rivals in the FA Cup to dump them out of the competition, with this being a time where he was adored on Tyneside.
Although they might not feel the same, Isak will still have a strong affiliation with his former club and will want to get one over on Sunderland yet again, with this giving him extra motivation after getting his goal.
Newcastle fans will probably never forgive him, but if he does run riot on Wednesday night, they might be able to watch on with a slight smirk, knowing that he is still haunting their rivals even when no longer a player for their club.
Hugo Ekitike could start on the left
Isak needs to start through the middle to try and find some form and consistency, but it will feel harsh to leave Ekitike on the bench.
How does Arne Slot fit Hugo Ekitike into Liverpool’s best XI?
Hugo Ekitike pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
So, with a little bit of rotation needed to avoid fatigue, Ekitike could come into the XI and replace Cody Gakpo.
The Dutchman did get a goal and assist against West Ham but fans are still divided on whether he should be starting, so this is a good excuse to try Ekitike instead.
With there being two more games this week too, Gakpo cannot really play three 90 minutes on the bounce, so supporters might finally get to see Ekitike and Isak start together.
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