Alexander Isak finally scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool as the Reds secured a much-needed 2–0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. The British-record signing struck on the hour mark before Cody Gakpo sealed the win in stoppage time.
Liverpool came into the match in crisis, having lost nine of their previous 12 games across all competitions and slipping far from the top four. Arne Slot even dropped Mohamed Salah for the first time in the league since April 2024, underlining the pressure on the champions.
Despite their struggles, Liverpool produced one moment of true quality when Gakpo found Isak in space, and the striker squeezed a superb finish past Alphonse Areola. It eased tension around the team and may prove crucial in reviving their season.
Gakpo later turned scorer, thumping in a late goal after controlling Joe Gomez’s cross to wrap up the points and move Liverpool up to eighth — just two points off the top four.
West Ham played most of the second half with ten men after Lucas Paquetá was sent off for two bookings in quick succession, both for dissent. The Brazilian repeatedly confronted referee Darren England and left his teammates with an uphill task.
The game began with a tribute to West Ham legend Billy Bonds, who passed away earlier in the day at the age of 79. The Hammers adjusted their pre-match playlist to honour his playing era, and captain Jarrod Bowen placed a Bonds No.4 shirt on the touchline.
Liverpool created several good chances in the first half, with Isak denied by a brilliant save from Areola and Florian Wirtz also going close. West Ham threatened through Callum Wilson and Paquetá, but Ibrahima Konaté produced key blocks to keep the Reds level.
After the interval, West Ham briefly pushed Liverpool back, and Paquetá almost scored with a spectacular effort from 25 yards. But once Isak broke the deadlock, the Reds gained control, and West Ham’s spirit faded after the red card.
Bowen fired just wide late on, but Liverpool stayed composed and sealed a deserved away victory.
