Liverpool's long-awaited victory at West Ham has brought an end to their dismal six-game winningless streak, with Alexander Isak finally breaking his duck for the club in a 2-1 triumph over the Hammers. The Swedes' first league goal for Liverpool was a stunning solo effort from Isak, who picked up his fifth start of the season after making just five appearances previously.
Jurgen Klopp's team had to wait until the hour mark to break the deadlock, however, as Alexander Isak waited 21 minutes into his fifth appearance to net his first league goal for the club. The equalizer came courtesy of a slick Isak move, which he set up with a cutback from Cody Gakpo before firing it past Alphonse Areola.
The victory marked Liverpool's second league win in 71 days and provided a much-needed boost to their morale, which had been sagging after six defeats in their last seven games. The Reds' long-term problem was exposed as they struggled to find form with the unorthodox 4-2-3-1 shape, but Klopp finally got it right.
Gakpo scored a late winner from a smart swivel, and his partnership with Isak is slowly starting to build. Wirtz also showed flashes of industry without scoring or providing an assist in his first Premier League appearance since moving from Bayer Leverkusen. But the key man was Isak, who has now finally repaid his massive ยฃ135m transfer fee.
For West Ham, this defeat marked a return to their usual form, with only solid performances from their backline keeping them ahead at times. However, it was not enough as the visitors pulled away in the end. Lucas Paquetรก's dismissal after picking up two yellow cards for dissent meant that the Hammers were left to field 10 men against the Reds.
Liverpool will celebrate this win, but they know there is still work to be done. They have a lot of new signings to bed in and adapt to their new shape. But today, at least, it was enough to bring an end to their drought and restore some confidence.
Jurgen Klopp's team had to wait until the hour mark to break the deadlock, however, as Alexander Isak waited 21 minutes into his fifth appearance to net his first league goal for the club. The equalizer came courtesy of a slick Isak move, which he set up with a cutback from Cody Gakpo before firing it past Alphonse Areola.
The victory marked Liverpool's second league win in 71 days and provided a much-needed boost to their morale, which had been sagging after six defeats in their last seven games. The Reds' long-term problem was exposed as they struggled to find form with the unorthodox 4-2-3-1 shape, but Klopp finally got it right.
Gakpo scored a late winner from a smart swivel, and his partnership with Isak is slowly starting to build. Wirtz also showed flashes of industry without scoring or providing an assist in his first Premier League appearance since moving from Bayer Leverkusen. But the key man was Isak, who has now finally repaid his massive ยฃ135m transfer fee.
For West Ham, this defeat marked a return to their usual form, with only solid performances from their backline keeping them ahead at times. However, it was not enough as the visitors pulled away in the end. Lucas Paquetรก's dismissal after picking up two yellow cards for dissent meant that the Hammers were left to field 10 men against the Reds.
Liverpool will celebrate this win, but they know there is still work to be done. They have a lot of new signings to bed in and adapt to their new shape. But today, at least, it was enough to bring an end to their drought and restore some confidence.