Liverpool Vs West Ham Match Report: Isak Scores First Premier League Goal As Reds End Losing Run

Liverpool vs West Ham Match Report

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a much-needed victory over West Ham in a Premier League match that offered few moments of excitement but carried major importance for Arne Slot’s team. After losing six of their previous seven league games, Liverpool finally secured a result that helped steady their season.

The match itself lacked energy for long spells, but Liverpool will not mind. What mattered most was the three points, a first league goal for Britain’s most expensive player Alexander Isak, and a late finish from Cody Gakpo that wrapped up the win.

The game was played at a slow tempo and was quiet at times, with little happening for large stretches. But Liverpool delivered when it counted, and the win came at a time when confidence had been fading.

The history books will list this match as Liverpool’s second league victory in 71 days, a night when their new signings contributed and when their tactical changes produced a more stable performance. For a team in poor form, this was a much-needed step in the right direction.

A Slow, Quiet First Half

The first half provided very few clear chances and was played at a pace that reflected Liverpool’s struggles in recent weeks. At one point, the stadium was so quiet that even the distant sound of a plane could be heard. West Ham’s home ground, the London Stadium, often makes poor games seem even duller due to its design and distant sightlines, and this match followed that pattern.

The line-ups offered the first major talking point of the match. Liverpool made a significant decision by leaving Mohamed Salah out of the starting XI. After conceding three or more goals in three straight league games for the first time in 75 years, Liverpool decided they could no longer afford to field a flair player who leaves defensive space behind him. Salah’s omission marked a tactical shift from Slot.

Liverpool switched to a 4-2-3-1 system, a formation that Slot successfully used at Feyenoord. Dominik Szoboszlai started on the right, offering work rate and defensive stability. Joe Gomez started at right-back due to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. Despite requiring a knee injection during the week, Gomez delivered a disciplined performance.

Florian Wirtz took up the central creative role. Although he is yet to score or assist in the Premier League since his expensive move from Bayer Leverkusen, he looked tidy and industrious. His movements to the left hinted at a potential partnership with Gakpo, though he and Isak still appeared to be working on their understanding.

Liverpool did have a good chance before the break. A long pass from Virgil van Dijk aimed for Gakpo was misread by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, allowing Wirtz a shooting opportunity. His side-footed finish was well aimed, but Alphonse Areola made an excellent stretching save.

West Ham created very little during the opening half. Their overall play once again highlighted why they have been involved in so many low-quality games this season despite their high attendance numbers. The lack of intensity and creativity from the home side made the match comfortable for Liverpool defensively.

Isak Finally Scores His First League Goal

Alexander Isak had been searching for his first Premier League goal for Liverpool since making a high-profile £135m move from Newcastle. This match marked his fifth league start of the season. He nearly scored after 21 minutes with a falling volley, but Areola produced a starfish-style save to deny him.

His long-awaited moment arrived on the hour mark. After a corner was partially cleared, Wirtz kept his composure in the box. Instead of forcing a rushed cross, he slipped the ball to Gakpo. Gakpo’s cutback found Isak, who fired in a first-time finish. It was a goal of real quality and technique, showing why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.

This goal will not silence all questions around his fee or form, but it was a crucial step for him individually and a major boost for the team.

West Ham Reduced to Ten Men

Shortly after Liverpool’s opening goal, West Ham suffered a major setback. Lucas Paquetá was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent. The dismissal left his team with even fewer ideas and made their struggle even more difficult.

West Ham had enjoyed a brief spike in form before this match, but the red card exposed their limitations. Their lack of creativity and their slow build-up play made it difficult for them to threaten Liverpool, even before going down to 10 men.

Cody Gakpo Seals the Win

Liverpool scored their second goal in stoppage time. Cody Gakpo found space inside the box and finished with an excellent swivel and strike, securing the three points. His goal reflected Liverpool’s improved control in the final stages and provided relief after a long period of poor results.

This goal also showed the potential of Liverpool’s attacking structure when they build through Wirtz and combine with Isak and Gakpo. The chemistry is still developing, but signs of progress were visible.

Liverpool’s New Shape and Tactical Adjustments

This match was another step in Liverpool’s switch towards the 4-2-3-1 system. The shape is designed to give more balance, protect the full-backs, and allow the creative players more defined roles.

One of Liverpool’s biggest tactical issues earlier in the season was that they were playing in a “post-Salah team with Salah still in it.” His attacking instincts often conflicted with the demands of the new system. Slot’s decision to leave him out of the starting XI highlighted the need for structure over individual flair at this moment in the season.

Wirtz continues to seek his first goal contribution in the league, but he showed improved movement and decision-making. His partnership with Gakpo is developing slowly, while his connection with Isak still requires time.

Gomez delivered a strong defensive performance despite his recent knee issue, and the midfield pair in the double pivot helped keep the match stable.

West Ham’s Struggles Continue

West Ham remain a difficult team to analyse. While they occasionally show moments of competitiveness, they continue to play too many dull matches at home. Despite having one of the highest average attendances in world football last season, their style has lacked spark.

The red card to Paquetá, combined with their limited threat in attack, left them looking ordinary. Their defensive structure offered little resistance once Liverpool found rhythm in the second half.

What This Win Means for Liverpool

Liverpool will be relieved above all else. After six defeats in seven league games, this victory was essential. It was not stylish, but it was necessary. The team looked more organised, more disciplined, and more comfortable in their new formation.

Confidence is expected to return gradually. Several new signings still need time to settle, but moments from Isak, Wirtz, and Gakpo showed signs of future promise.

Arne Slot’s plan for Liverpool has been clear since the summer signings arrived, and this match represented a step towards the shape and balance he desires. It may not have been an exciting match, but sometimes a difficult win is more valuable than a comfortable one.