Liverpool secure a vital win with a composed performance in London
Liverpool secure a vital win on Sunday evening, earning a crucial 2-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium, thanks to second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. The Reds ended their run of defeats across competitions and climbed to 21 points, while West Ham remained stuck on 11 points in 17th place.
Isaac opens the door — Liverpool secure vital win after wasted chances
Liverpool started aggressively despite resting Mohamed Salah, relying on the dynamic trio of Wirtz, Gakpo and Isaac. The visitors created several early chances, the first coming in the 4th minute when Isaac fired over after a brilliant pass from Wirtz.
West Ham tried to respond, but most of their attacks lacked precision. Alisson suffered an early collision after clearing a dangerous Wan-Bissaka cross but continued normally. Liverpool kept pushing, with Van Dijk heading over the bar and Gakpo missing a clear chance after a sharp Gomez cross.
Areola kept West Ham alive with several impressive saves, including a crucial stop against Isaac inside the six-yard box. The referee also frustrated Liverpool after ignoring a clear foul on Gravenberch at the edge of the box.
Before halftime, Gakpo wasted another golden opportunity, while Wirtz shot tamely into Areola’s hands. The first half ended goalless despite Liverpool being the more dangerous side.
Isaac finally breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute. Gakpo surged down the left flank and sent a clever cut-back to Isaac, who controlled the ball calmly before drilling it perfectly into the net. The goal was crucial for the Swedish striker, who registered his first Premier League strike for Liverpool and gave Arne Slot’s men the momentum they needed.
West Ham pushed forward through Paquetá and Fulkrug, but Liverpool remained solid defensively. Curtis Jones and Ekiteke nearly doubled the lead with a quick exchange, but the shot went narrowly wide.
Late drama and Gakpo seals the win
Tensions exploded in the 84th minute when Lucas Paquetá completely lost his composure. After being booked for dissent, he continued arguing furiously, earning a second yellow followed by a straight red card in a chaotic moment that shattered West Ham’s hopes.
With the hosts exposed, Liverpool delivered the knockout blow in stoppage time. Gomez burst forward and delivered a powerful cross; Gakpo controlled it on his chest and unleashed a brilliant strike past Areola to seal the victory.
What’s Next
Liverpool will host Sunderland at Anfield next Wednesday as they look to build on this momentum.
West Ham United, meanwhile, will travel to face Manchester United in a difficult away fixture.
