Alexander Isak netted his first Premier League goal for Liverpool since his record £125 million transfer from Newcastle United, helping Arne Slot’s side secure a much-needed win against West Ham United.
The match unfolded under a cloud of emotion following the announcement of the death of Billy Bonds, the legendary former West Ham captain and manager. Despite the solemn backdrop, Liverpool ended a dismal stretch of nine defeats in 12 matches — their worst run since 1954 — with a deserved victory.
Head coach Arne Slot made a bold decision by dropping Mohamed Salah from a league starting lineup for the first time since April 2024, also against West Ham. The tactical adjustment paid off, with Liverpool producing one of their most assured performances in recent weeks.
The Reds controlled much of the game, with Florian Wirtz impressing in an advanced midfield role. Isak finally ended his 310-minute Premier League goal drought with a composed half-volley from Cody Gakpo’s cross on the hour mark.
West Ham’s frustrations peaked six minutes from time when Lucas Paquetá received two quick yellow cards for dissent, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Liverpool capitalised in stoppage time, with Gakpo adding a second goal to seal the win.
The result lifts Liverpool to eighth place in the league, just three points off the top four.
### **Liverpool Analysis: Slot’s Tactical Changes Pay Off**
Under pressure due to Liverpool’s recent slump, Slot responded by reshaping his attacking lineup and sidelining Salah. Isak started as the central striker ahead of Hugo Ekitike, while Dominik Szoboszlai operated on the right and Gakpo on the left.
The adjustments allowed Wirtz to shine, linking midfield and attack with confidence and creativity, supported by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in a solid midfield pairing.
Defensively, Slot bolstered the back line by starting Joe Gomez at right-back — his first league start in 11 months — which gave Szoboszlai greater freedom to influence play further upfield.
Isak, whose only previous Liverpool goal this season came in a Carabao Cup match, threatened throughout. Before scoring, he forced a strong save from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with a close-range effort. His goal — his sixth in seven league matches against West Ham — brought visible relief.
Wirtz also came close to scoring his first Liverpool goal after his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen, but his low effort was saved by Areola.
Overall, Liverpool looked more structured, confident, and threatening, with the performance serving as a much-needed morale boost — particularly for Isak and Wirtz, who had faced criticism for recent underwhelming displays.
### **West Ham Analysis: Subdued Display on a Somber Day**
The match was overshadowed by the passing of club icon Billy Bonds, one of West Ham’s greatest-ever captains. The atmosphere inside London Stadium was somber, fitting for a player whose leadership and loyalty defined an era.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, however, struggled to rise to the occasion. West Ham remain on 11 points — just outside the relegation zone on goal difference — after a muted and error-ridden performance.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson faced little danger throughout the game, with Jarrod Bowen missing the home side’s best chance late on.
Paquetá’s dismissal summed up West Ham's frustration. After reacting angrily to a foul awarded against his side, he engaged in a needless argument with referee Darren England, earning two yellow cards in quick succession.
*Source: BBC*
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