Isak Opens Liverpool Account as Reds Beat 10-Man West Ham

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday evening, moving back into second place in the Premier League table.

Alexander Isak, the £125 million summer signing from Newcastle United, finally broke his duck for the club on the hour mark. The Swedish international latched onto a precise through-ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold, held off the challenge of Maximilian Kilman and calmly slotted past Alphonse Areola for his maiden Liverpool goal. It was a moment of relief for the 26-year-old, who had started the previous five league matches without finding the net.

West Ham’s hopes of a comeback were extinguished six minutes from time when Lucas Paquetá received a straight red card for a high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool immediately capitalised; Cody Gakpo collected Mohamed Salah’s cut-back and fired home in the 89th minute to seal the three points.

The result ends a run of two consecutive draws for Arne Slot’s side and keeps them within touching distance of leaders Arsenal. West Ham remain 15th after a third defeat in four matches under manager Graham Potter.

Liverpool travel to Tottenham next weekend, while West Ham host Wolverhampton Wanderers.