“I’m working hard” – Alexander Isak speaks ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Isak’s First Liverpool Goal Signals Intent Across All Fronts

Early Statement at Anfield

Alexander Isak needed little time to show why Liverpool pursued him so intently. His first goal for the club arrived in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, a 2-1 win that maintained Arne Slot’s perfect start across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

“I think especially when you play for a club like Liverpool, you’ve got to compete on all fronts,” Isak told Liverpoolfc.com after the match. “That’s the main goal: to be competitive in all competitions, going out to every game wanting to win.”

Confidence in Front of Goal

Isak’s strike came just before half-time, a crisp first-time finish that carried the air of inevitability. The move owed much to Federico Chiesa’s tenacity – pressing high, forcing a turnover, and squaring unselfishly – but the Swede’s instinct to be in the right place was no less decisive.

Photo: IMAGO

He acknowledged the combination afterwards: “All of the work was really done by Fede, a high-pressure regain and from that moment I was trying to be in the right place, which I was and I just tucked it away.”

Liverpool’s Familiar Resilience

Southampton briefly threatened to spoil the night when Shea Charles levelled with 14 minutes to play. Yet Liverpool’s habit of finding answers resurfaced. Chiesa, again involved, controlled Andy Robertson’s pass and laid on a simple finish for Hugo Ekitike to seal victory.

“It has kind of been frustrating seeing it [as an opponent] from the other side!” Isak admitted of Liverpool’s capacity to rally late. “It’s amazing to be a part of it. Obviously we want to work on our performances and play better throughout the parts of the game but ultimately it’s all about winning.”

Building Towards Peak Fitness

The Carabao Cup outing marked Isak’s second start and third appearance for Liverpool, as he continues to regain full sharpness after his summer switch from Newcastle United. Arne Slot expects him to be near peak condition after the October international break, a timeline the forward is embracing.

“Obviously my situation was a bit special so I had to do some extra work, which is completely normal,” Isak explained. “I’m happy to do any work that will get me in better shape. It’s good. I’m working hard to be in my best shape and then it’s up to the coach [for the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday].”

Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware demands depth and adaptability. In Isak, they may already have found a forward capable not only of scoring goals, but of carrying the mentality required to compete everywhere.