Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal as Liverpool dismantled West Ham United 2–0, easing pressure on Arne Slot.
Liverpool ended a dismal run of nine defeats in 12 matches, their worst sequence since 1954, with a fully deserved victory.
Slot made a major call by leaving Mohamed Salah out of a league starting line-up for the first time since April 2024, also away at West Ham, ending a streak of 53 consecutive league starts under Jürgen Klopp.
The decision was rewarded with a far more cohesive and energetic display.
Liverpool controlled a subdued West Ham, with Florian Wirtz influential in a free role behind the forwards.
The breakthrough arrived on the hour when Isak, after weeks of personal frustration, met Cody Gakpo’s lifted cross with a crisp half-volley to put Liverpool ahead.
West Ham’s woes deepened six minutes from time when Lucas Paquetá received two quick yellow cards for dissent after protesting a foul.
Liverpool sealed the result in stoppage time, Gakpo capping his excellent performance with a well-taken second goal.
The win lifts Liverpool to eighth place in the Premier League, now just three points outside the top four and marked by Isak’s long-awaited moment.
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