Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for struggling Liverpool, inspiring a crucial 2-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Isak had gone five league games without a goal since his British-record £125 million move from Newcastle in September, and had scored just once in 11 appearances across all competitions. But the Sweden striker ended his drought on the hour mark, guiding home Cody Gakpo’s cut-back to give Liverpool a much-needed lift.

Gakpo struck again in stoppage time to seal Liverpool’s first win in four matches and ease the pressure on manager Arne Slot.

“There’s definitely a feeling of relief,” Slot said. “We hardly conceded, we created chances, and we played the game I wanted us to play. This is a good first step for us.”

Liverpool entered the match amid their worst run of form since the 1953–54 season, losing nine of their previous 12 games — including heavy defeats to Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, and a 4-1 Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven. Their troubles have been compounded by injuries, poor fitness levels among several players, and Mohamed Salah’s dip in form, which saw the Egypt star dropped to the bench again.

Isak’s breakthrough — his first league goal since scoring for Newcastle in May — offered a rare bright spot in a difficult campaign. Slot greeted the striker with a handshake as he was substituted shortly after scoring.

West Ham began brightly on an emotional afternoon as the club paid tribute to legendary former captain and manager Billy Bonds, who died aged 79. But their frustrations mounted, especially when Lucas Paquetá was sent off in the 84th minute for back-to-back bookings for dissent.

Liverpool capitalised late on, with Gakpo smashing home from 12 yards after West Ham failed to clear their lines, securing three vital points and lifting the Reds to eighth place in the table.