Match Report: Alexander Isak scores as Liverpool beat West Ham United | OneFootball

West Ham United Outfought As Liverpool Rediscover Rhythm

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a composed and disciplined 2-0 victory at West Ham United, a result that felt cathartic after a turbulent spell in the Premier League. The evening at London Stadium carried emotional weight, with tributes paid to West Ham United’s former captain and manager Billy Bonds, who has passed away at the age of 79. Amid the sombre backdrop, Liverpool produced the sort of controlled football that their manager has been seeking, using possession intelligently and showing greater resilience in key moments.

Selection Calls Shape Liverpool’s Approach

The visitors made headlines before kick-off when Mohamed Salah was left out of the Premier League starting team for the first time since April 2024, also away at West Ham United. The forward’s long run of 53 consecutive league starts ended but the decision allowed Liverpool to adjust their forward balance and lean more heavily on movement and link play between the lines.

Crucially, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz thrived in the reshaped attacking unit. Wirtz dictated pockets of space behind the front line, continually pulling West Ham United out of shape. Liverpool’s confidence grew as they held long spells of possession and forced the home side deeper.

Photo: IMAGO

Isak’s Breakthrough Alters The Tempo

The game shifted decisively on the hour when Alexander Isak finally broke his Premier League duck for Liverpool following his record £125m transfer from Newcastle United. His finish, a crisp half volley from Gakpo’s driven cross, reflected both precision and relief. As Isak wheeled away, his team mates surrounded him, knowing how much this moment mattered. “Liverpool players celebrate with Alexander Isak after his first Premier League goal for the club at West Ham United.”

By then, West Ham United were struggling to generate any rhythm of their own. Their approach lacked urgency and they repeatedly lost midfield duels, allowing Liverpool to recycle possession without real pressure. Every Liverpool attack seemed to stretch the hosts a little more, and frustration soon crept into their game.

Late Red Card And Stoppage Time Strike Seal It

West Ham United’s resistance fully crumbled six minutes from time when Lucas Paquetá collected two quick yellow cards, the second brandished after he continued to argue over the initial booking for a foul. The dismissal drained whatever hope remained for the home side.

Liverpool capitalised with a well crafted second goal in stoppage time, Gakpo guiding home after a sharp move, with Joe Gomez providing the assist. The finish capped a performance that blended authority, structure and improved sharpness in the final third.

For Liverpool, the win halts a damaging sequence of nine defeats in twelve matches and provides renewed momentum as they attempt to stabilise their Premier League campaign. For West Ham United, it was a night when emotion off the pitch overshadowed a frustrating lack of invention on it.