Isak’s first Premier League goal against West Ham fires Liverpool back

Liverpool returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United, ending their damaging Premier League slump.

The match drifted through long stretches without incident, yet Liverpool will feel no concern about the lack of spectacle after securing their first league win in almost a month.

Arne Slot’s side arrived in London with six defeats in their last seven Premier League games and with pressure mounting, but they produced a more stable performance that slowly wore West Ham down.

Alexander Isak started again as Slot continued to back him despite his difficult introduction to the club, and he showed early signs of hunger even as chances were scarce in a slow first half.

Alphonse Areola denied him with a sharp block midway through the opening period, and Liverpool found it tough to generate openings against a disciplined West Ham shape.

Liverpool looked more balanced without Mohamed Salah in the starting line-up, with Dominik Szoboszlai providing greater defensive cover on the right.

Florian Wirtz operated centrally and linked play neatly, even though his final actions continued to elude him. A save from Areola denied him just before the break.

The contest shifted on the hour when a corner was half cleared, and Liverpool recycled the ball calmly before Alexis Mac Allister cut a pass back into the area.

Isak met it first time and drove a composed finish beyond Areola to claim his first Premier League goal for Liverpool.

The goal forced West Ham to chase the game, and their task became harder when Lucas Paqueta was sent off for two quick bookings for dissent.

Liverpool controlled the closing stages with greater authority and avoided the late lapses that have cost them so often this season.

Cody Gakpo added a second deep into stoppage time when he collected a loose ball on the edge of the box and smashed a half-volley past Areola.

The win ended Liverpool’s slide and offered the clearest sign yet that their attacking structure is beginning to settle under Slot.

It also provided a badly needed lift for Isak, who now hopes his first league goal will spark the momentum that has previously eluded him.

Liverpool’s performance was far from fluent, but the outcome mattered far more than the aesthetics after such a damaging run.