Alexander Isak scores first Liverpool goal, in line to start again after striker competitor’s silly mistake

It may have been a nervy finish for Liverpool to see off Southampton in a 2-1 victory in the EFL Cup, but they got quite a present at Anfield on Tuesday. Alexander Isak scored his first goal in a Liverpool shirt, one that couldn’t have come at a better time since the Reds will need more out of him sooner than later due to Hugo Ekitike picking up a red card, which will see him miss their weekend match against Crystal Palace.

Manager Arne Slot has been taking things slowly with Isak since his transfer saga saw him miss the preseason and league matches with Newcastle United, but the Swedish striker has now started two matches for Liverpool while also coming off the bench in the Merseyside derby. With 126 minutes under his belt now, Isak is getting into match shape at just the right time.

He’ll score tougher goals for Liverpool during his career, but the hardest goal to score for a team is the first one due to the pressure that comes with it. Being able to capitalize on poor play from Southampton to score was just what the doctor ordered. A poor pass out of the back was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who got the ball to Isak in the middle for a finish that he wouldn’t miss.

The match then devolved into madness with Southampton equalizing in the 76th minute via Shea Charles. The Liverpool defense has now conceded in three consecutive matches, as no matter what happens, they’re good at giving up a goal as Slot gets settled into his rotations. Eikitike scored the winner in the 85th minute, but, already on a yellow card, he took his shirt off to celebrate the goal. That’s an automatic yellow card, which led to a red and his dismissal.

Not only did that give Southampton time to push for a late equalizer, but it leaves Slot’s side thinner for the weekend. Liverpool’s next three matches will see them travel away to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, which would already require rotation. Without Ekitike for the weekend, it means that Isak almost has to start that match since Cody Gakpo has been preferred on the wing. 

Palace have, shown their improvement under Oliver Glasner, so it will be far from an easy match as the Reds look to continue their perfect start to the season. There has never been a dull moment with what the Reds have to offer and they’ll need more players to step up as matches are coming faster and faster. Expectations are high for the club and they’ll need Isak at his best to reach them.