By 
Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for Liverpool as the defending champions beat West Ham United 2-0 at the London Stadium, ending a dismal run of nine defeats in 12 matches across all competitions.
Isak, who had arrived from Newcastle in a protracted £125 million move but had scored only once in the Carabao Cup, delivered when it mattered.
His cool second-half finish set Liverpool on their way before Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time strike sealed a much-needed victory for Arne Slot’s embattled side.
Read more: Liverpool massacred 4-1 at home by PSV in Champions League
The hosts, however, did Liverpool few favours.
In a match reported by ESPN, West Ham once again proved obliging opponents and were further undone by Lucas Paquetá’s needless dismissal.
Booked for dissent by referee Darren England, the Brazilian continued arguing and immediately earned a second yellow card, leaving his side with 10 men.
Slot, under mounting pressure after Liverpool’s alarming slide, made a bold call by dropping Mohamed Salah — the first time the Egyptian had been omitted from a Premier League starting XI since April 2024, also away to West Ham.
That previous incident sparked a touchline row with then-manager Jürgen Klopp. This time, Salah never made it off the bench.
Liverpool had chances early on. Isak forced a remarkable point-blank save from Alphonse Areola after controlling a cushioned Gakpo header, while Florian Wirtz — still searching for his first goal in Liverpool colours — shot straight at the keeper before halftime.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark. Wirtz released Gakpo down the left of the penalty area, and the Dutchman cut the ball back perfectly for Isak to sweep home from 12 yards.
Liverpool wrapped up the win deep into added time when an off-balance Areola gifted possession, allowing Joe Gomez to feed Gakpo for a composed finish.
The result will bring relief to Slot and renew belief within a Liverpool side desperate to arrest their slide.
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