Alexander Isak scores as Liverpool beat West Ham: Key stats
What's the story
Liverpool ended their poor run of form in the Premier League, which included six defeats in their last seven league games, with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United. Matchday 13 of the Premier League 2025-26 season, played at the London Stadium, saw Alexander Isak score his first league goal for Liverpool since his high-profile move from Newcastle United. Cody Gakpo added a second late on to seal the win for Arne Slot's side. Here's more.
Game strategy
Liverpool's tactical changes and player performances
Liverpool made some major changes to their lineup for the match. Dominik Szoboszlai replaced Mohamed Salah, who was dropped after Liverpool conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time in 75 years. Joe Gomez started at right-back due to injuries to Connor Bradley and Jeremy Frimpong. Despite his knee injury last week, this was Gomez's first league start of the season.
Match highlights
Isak's 1st league goal and West Ham's red card
Isak came close to scoring his first league goal for Liverpool in the 21st minute with a stunning volley. However, it was on the hour mark that he finally found the back of the net from a Gakpo assist. Lucas Paqueta was later sent off for two quick bookings due to dissent against referee Darren England. Gakpo sealed the win for Liverpool in stoppage time, scoring after a cutback from Gomez.
Details
Match stats and points table
The Reds managed 56% ball possession and owned an xG of 1.26. Arne Slot's men had 5 shots on target from 9 attempts. They created 1 big chance. Liverpool had 20 touches in the opposition box with West Ham managing 11. In terms of the points table, the Reds climbed to 8th with 21 points from 13 matches (W7 L6). Liverpool's goal difference is 0. On the other hand, the Hammers are 17th with 11 points. This was their 8th defeat.
Information
Isak races to 55 Premier League goals
Former Newcastle United ace Isak scored his maiden Premier League goal for the Reds across 6 appearances. Meanwhile, this was the Swedish star's 55th Premier League goal from 90 appearances.
Gakpo
Gakpo gets to 46 goals for Liverpool in all competitions
Gakpo was instrumental for Slot's side, making an assist and scoring as well. In 104 Premier League matches, he has raced to 29 goals and 14 assists. The ongoing Premier League season has seen him notch an impressive 4 goals and three assists from 13 matches. Overall, the Dutchman owns 46 goals in 147 appearances for the Reds.
Do you know?
Isak ends his drought
As per Opta, Isak scored his first Premier League goal in eight matches, ending his joint-longest scoring drought in the competition (also 7 games for Newcastle, April-May 2023).