Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool was ‘important’ for both him and the club, says manager Arne Slot.
Isak had just one Carabao Cup goal to his name following his protracted £125million summer switch from Newcastle but lashed in during a much-needed 2-0 victory at West Ham.
“It’s very important for us as a team that we went 1-0 up, but I think it was also important for him because I think it was his third or fourth chance of this game,” Reds head coach Slot said.
“I don’t think there was much more than 10 minutes in him to go, so then to score just before you come off was important for us, but also for him.”
Slot left Mo Salah out of the side, the first time the Egypt striker had been left out of a Premier League starting line-up since April 2024, also at West Ham in a 2-2 draw.
That day Salah had a stand-up row with manager Jurgen Klopp on the touchline before going on as a late substitute.
This time he did not get on at all, with Slot replacing Isak with Hugo Ekitike shortly after his goal.
“Mo has had an unbelievable career here at this club and will have a very good future at this club because he’s such a special player,” Slot added.
“We have four games in 10 days with only 14 to 15 outfield players available for us. Then you have to decide once in a while to make a certain line-up and you try to pick the best line-up for every single game.”
Liverpool face Sunderland in midweek before heading to Leeds next weekend.