Alexander Isak Reveals Shocking Truth Behind His Debut Premier League Strike for Liverpool
Alexander Isak confessed that the anxious anticipation for his inaugural Premier League strike while wearing Liverpool colors lasted longer than he had anticipated.
Nearly everything regarding Isak's developing journey at Merseyside has faced setbacks. The lengthy procedure of securing the Swedish striker's transfer from Newcastle United during the summer was so drawn-out that Liverpool ended up purchasing a completely different central forward initially—who netted his first Premier League goal just 37 minutes into the new campaign.
Isak's first appearance was delayed as Arne Slot worked to restore his conditioning following a summer spent in dispute, though he still picked up a muscle problem in October.
Slot was preparing to substitute Isak during the West Ham United match this weekend while the scoreline remained blank, extending that anticipation for his first league strike for at least several more days. Then the moment arrived.
"I've been anticipating it and pursuing it," a clearly relieved Isak shared with BBC's Match of the Day after delivering a clean, side-footed strike into the lower corner past Alphonse Areola's well-protected goal. "Sometimes it requires more time than you anticipate but delighted to find the net and contribute to today's victory."
That anticipation had stretched across six matches, 71 days and 378 minutes of Premier League action. Isak's barren spell wasn't about squandered opportunities but rather the absence of opportunities to squander. The 26-year-old recorded more attempts on target (two) during his 67 minutes at London Stadium this weekend than he had accumulated throughout the remainder of the campaign combined (one).
"It's never simple," Isak commented regarding his scoring drought, "as a forward you require rhythm. Sometimes you experience these spells but hopefully this will assist in developing strong form. We defended exceptionally well and found the net twice so excellent outcome."
Arne Slot Praises Pivotal Moment for Isak
The primary feeling for Slot following Liverpool's 2–0 triumph against West Ham was "relief."
Relief that the team's poorest streak since 1953 was broken with a victory, relief that his choice to bench Mohamed Salah was validated with the season's most solid defensive performance and relief that the Premier League's most costly player had finally found the back of the net in the league.
Slot was questioned whether this felt like a "pivotal moment" for Isak. "Yes, I believe it is," he responded to Sky Sports. "He is an elite striker. This finish was excellent. I kept him on just long enough for him to secure a goal for the squad and himself."
"It's extremely crucial for us as a unit that we took a 1–0 lead, but I think it was equally crucial for him because I believe it was his third opportunity, fourth of this match, and I don't think he had much more than 10 minutes left in him," Slot elaborated in his post-game media session. "So to score just before being substituted was significant for us but also for him."