It could have been a nervy end for Liverpool to see off Southampton in a 2-1 victory within the EFL Cup, however they bought fairly a gift at Anfield on Tuesday. Alexander Isak scored his first purpose in a Liverpool shirt, one which could not have come at a greater time for the reason that Reds will want extra out of him earlier than later resulting from Hugo Ekitike selecting up a crimson card, which is able to see him miss their weekend match towards Crystal Palace.
Supervisor Arne Slot has been taking issues slowly with Isak since his switch saga noticed him miss the preseason and league matches with Newcastle United, however the Swedish striker has now began two matches for Liverpool whereas additionally coming off the bench within the Merseyside derby. With 126 minutes underneath his belt now, Isak is moving into match form at simply the fitting time.
He’ll rating harder targets for Liverpool throughout his profession, however the hardest purpose to attain for a staff is the primary one because of the stress that comes with it. With the ability to capitalize on poor play from Southampton to attain was simply what the physician ordered. A poor cross out of the again was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who bought the ball to Isak within the center for a end that he would not miss.
The match then devolved into insanity with Southampton equalizing within the 76th minute through Shea Charles. The Liverpool protection has now conceded in three consecutive matches, as it doesn’t matter what occurs, they’re good at giving up a purpose as Slot will get settled into his rotations. Eikitike scored the winner within the eighty fifth minute, however, already on a yellow card, he took his shirt off to have a good time the purpose. That is an computerized yellow card, which led to a crimson and his dismissal.
Not solely did that give Southampton time to push for a late equalizer, but it surely leaves Slot’s aspect thinner for the weekend. Liverpool’s subsequent three matches will see them journey away to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, which might already require rotation. With out Ekitike for the weekend, it signifies that Isak nearly has to begin that match since Cody Gakpo has been most popular on the wing.
Palace have, proven their enchancment underneath Oliver Glasner, so it is going to be removed from a straightforward match because the Reds look to proceed their excellent begin to the season. There has by no means been a uninteresting second with what the Reds have to supply they usually’ll want extra gamers to step up as matches are coming quicker and quicker. Expectations are excessive for the membership they usually’ll want Isak at his finest to achieve them.
