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<p>West Ham 0-2 Liverpool</p>
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<img alt="Alexander Isak ends goal drought in Liverpool's victory over West Ham" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/isak-liverpool-1764523458-183901.jpg" title="Alexander Isak celebrates his first goal for Liverpool">
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>The relief on Alexander Isak's face was unmistakable as he celebrated his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, following a €145 million transfer from Newcastle United three months ago. After an injury setback denied him the chance to build on his scoring form in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, this goal could mark a pivotal moment for both him and the club, who have had a rocky start to the season.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Premier League</p>
<p>Premier League</p>
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<p>€400.80m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€1.15bn</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€143.80m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€482.90m</p>
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<p>Nuno Espírito Santo</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Arne Slot</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Arne Slot made some bold choices in the lineup, opting to bench Mohamed Salah in favor of Florian Wirtz, who returned from injury to start. With the team facing six losses in seven matches, he couldn't afford further setbacks. Fortunately, Isak's timely goal provided the much-needed boost.</p>
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<p>With doubts lingering over Isak's place in the squad after the acquisitions of Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké, his performance at the London Stadium was crucial. The match was goalless, with neither team seizing control. Yet, Isak, without a goal in his first five Premier League outings due to fitness issues, found the net when it mattered most.</p>
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<img alt="Isak Liverpool stats" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/isak-liverpool-1764522359-183896.png?lm=1764522373" title="Isak Liverpool statistics" width="503">
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<p>Isak’s goal came from a measured finish into the corner off a cross from Cody Gakpo, showcasing his confidence. His substitution in the 68th minute was met with a warm gesture from Slot, signaling the significance of the moment for the team and the manager's future.</p>
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<p>This performance wasn’t a standout for Liverpool, but they effectively contained West Ham, allowing no shots on target in the first half—a marked improvement following their four-goal defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League days earlier. The tactical adjustments, including shifting Dominik Szoboszlai back into midfield and putting Joe Gomez at right-back, provided better balance in possession. Although Liverpool invested significantly in new players, including €480 million on transfers, they were eager for results from Wirtz and Isak.</p>
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<img alt="Arne Slot and Liverpool record: 2025/26" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/arne-slot-record-liverpool-1764521253-183895.png?lm=1764521279" title="Arne Slot and Liverpool record: 2025/26" width="503">
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<p>Wirtz was also substituted toward the end, still searching for his first goal or assist in 11 league outings, though his performance showed some promise and a developing rapport with team-mates. Isak's quieter performance was overshadowed by his goal, temporarily silencing his critics. Gakpo sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal after Lucas Paquetá received a controversial red card, hinting that Liverpool’s troubles might be behind them.</p>
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<p>A clean sheet, three crucial points, and the end of Isak's drought provide cause for celebration for Slot's squad. However, with their title aspirations still hanging by a thread after a poor start, the pressure will return next week if they falter again against Sunderland on Wednesday.</p>
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