Liverpool snapped their alarming slump with a 2-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium, as Alexander Isak finally scored his first Premier League goal for the club since his £130million move from Newcastle.

The champions entered the fixture on the back of nine defeats in 12 matches across competitions, their worst spell in more than seven decades, prompting questions over manager Arne Slot’s future.

Slot responded by dropping Mohamed Salah for the first time in the league since April 2024, and his reshuffle yielded the breakthrough Liverpool desperately needed.

Isak delivers under pressure

After being denied by a superb first-half save from Alphonse Areola, Isak broke the deadlock on the hour mark.

Found in space by Cody Gakpo, the striker produced a calm, clinical finish that justified his record transfer fee and relieved weeks of tension around the squad.

Gakpo then completed the job deep into stoppage time, smashing a loose ball past Areola to end a professional away performance and move Liverpool up to eighth, now just two points off the top four.

West Ham reduced to ten

West Ham’s hopes deteriorated further when Lucas Paquetá was sent off in bizarre fashion.

The Brazilian, returning from suspension, received a yellow card for dissent after disputing a challenge, then immediately talked himself into a second caution as he continued protesting.

Down to ten men, the Hammers struggled for rhythm on an emotional day marked by the passing of club legend Billy Bonds at age 79.

The club adjusted their pre-match playlist to honour their former captain and manager.

Liverpool still a work in progress

Despite the victory, Liverpool remain short of their peak levels. However, the result stops the bleeding after a chaotic run and provides a platform from which Slot’s side can attempt to rebuild momentum.