Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, helping manager Arne Slott secure a much-needed 2-0 win against West Ham, where Lucas Paqueta was dramatically sent off for dissent.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Reds boss Slott has had a dismal performance and had a week to save his job after Mohamed Salah was benched in a big call from the Dutchman.
But summer signing Isak, who signed for £125m, eased the pressure and ended a high-profile drought by converting from Cody Gakpo’s cut-back, before Gakpo scored himself in stoppage time following Paqueta’s red card. “There’s definitely a sense of relief,” Slott admitted afterward.
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Alexander Isak takes the lead with his first Liverpool Premier League goal
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Codi Gakpo wrapped up Liverpool’s game against West Ham in the Premier League.
Incredibly, Paqueta earned two cautions in quick succession for arguing with referee Darren England. The Brazilian refused to be separated from his West Ham team-mates and even his Liverpool compatriot Alisson, and lashed out at the referee until he was handed a second yellow card.
He had just returned from suspension after receiving five yellow cards this season. Paqueta later posted an apology on social media, but was acquitted after slamming the FA for his treatment during an investigation into match-fixing charges.
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Lucas Paqueta sent off for two yellows for dissent
Isak, making his sixth league appearance for Liverpool since making the move from Newcastle, had a chance in the first half, with his close-range shot well saved by Alphonse Areola. But he looked like the player who starred for Newcastle when he scored a crisp, low finish with an hour remaining to lift Liverpool into eighth place.
Slott would also have been encouraged by Florian Wirtz’s performance – his best in a Liverpool shirt, but the German should have converted the big chance himself in the first 45 minutes. Defensively, the visiting team was also relatively solid. West Ham have conceded 10 goals in their last three games, but have failed to get a shot on target.
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Alphonse Arreola’s save thwarts Alexander Isak in West Ham’s Premier League match against Liverpool
It was an emotional afternoon for the hosts, who had mourned the death of club legend Billy Bonds earlier in the day, although captain Jarrod Bowen headed a shot wide of the target to make it 1-0. Bowen placed his No. 4 shirt in front of the Billy Bonds Stand in memory of the former Hammers player, coach and manager who played 799 games for the club.
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West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has said fans will make a big fuss to show their appreciation for Billy Bonds, whom he described as the club’s “biggest legend” after his death at the age of 79.
The defeat left West Ham in 17th place, level on points with Leeds who are third and bottom, but their difference in points from their last three league games remains at seven points.
Isaac: It’s been a long time since I scored my first goal.
Liverpool goalscorer Alexander Isak told Sky Sports:
“I know it’s been a long time coming and I’ve been working hard to get back to my best. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m happy to have reached my goal.”
“The best feeling today was that we won the match and that’s the best way to get good spirit in the group, but of course I’m a striker so scoring goals always helps.
“We have to use this win in a positive way, but at the same time we have to be humble. We have to stay focused and continue to work hard to maintain this momentum.”
Slott: Isaac’s goal is to ‘feel important’
Liverpool head coach Arne Slott told Sky Sports:
On Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal: “I think they felt it was important. We weren’t going to give him more time[before sending him off].”
“There’s definitely a sense of relief, because when you’ve lost so many times it’s important to win. We conceded very few chances. We were able to create our own chances. In other games we conceded more goals than today.”
“It would be helpful if we weren’t down 1-0 after five minutes, because then we could be more open. We played the game we wanted to play.
“What I saw meant a lot to the players and the fans. The fans had to go a long way to support an underperforming team. We play Sunderland on Wednesday. It’s a very busy schedule for everyone. It’s a good first step for us to win and keep a clean sheet.”
Carla: Liverpool find their way to Champions League qualification
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports:
“The really simple thing about Liverpool today is that they don’t concede goals from set-pieces, they don’t have big mistakes at the back, probably by Konate or Kerkes, and one of their summer signings is great.
“If they continue this way over the next few weeks they could find themselves in the middle of the Champions League places. They are a million miles away from fighting for the title, but Liverpool need to be in that position if everything is to settle down.”
“If they get into a situation where it’s really questionable, then that’s when the pressure will really increase on the manager.”
Nuno talks about Paqueta and Red
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo:
“I want to talk to him first and try to understand. It would be unfair to comment without talking to him.”
“It’s difficult to play with one man less against Liverpool.”
On West Ham’s performance: “We started the game well, we came out and played well.
“In the second half, we conceded our best moments. We had good possession and combination. We conceded a goal from the throw-in after that, but we were disappointed in the situation and conceded the goal. We kept fighting until the end.”
