Liverpool may have to wait weeks before they begin to see the best of their record signing Alexander Isak following his protracted move from Newcastle. The disappointing projection has been blamed on that drawn-out transfer which saw Isak sidelined while the two clubs negotiated for almost two months, meaning he missed pre-season and was left well short of match sharpness.
Liverpool’s worrying slump continued with a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, their third consecutive loss in all competitions. Alexander Isak, who assisted the Reds’ only goal at Stamford Bridge, admitted it was “the worst” way to lose but insisted belief remains strong within Arne Slot’s side as they enter the international break under mounting pressure.
Jamie Carragher immediately expressed his concerns over Arne Slot's tactics after Liverpool had won their opening game of the new season against Bournemouth. So he was never going to hold back after watching the disturbingly ragged Reds slump to a second consecutive defeat in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
Hugo Ekitike made an honest Liverpool admission and revealed his opinion about the arrival of Alexander Isak at Anfield. The French striker, snapped up for a hefty £69m in July, admitted he has no issue with the £125m Swede being parachuted into Liverpool from Newcastle on deadline day. In fact, the 23-year-old insists Isak’s arrival can only sharpen his own game.
Arne Slot has come to the defence of Alexander Isak after the £125million ($167m) striker was quiet on his first Premier League start for Liverpool as the Reds were defeated for the first time this season by Crystal Palace. Head coach Slot defended the Swede as he continues to return to full fitness, following a performance which was distinctly below-par by the majority of the side.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been praised for his 'perfect' handling of Hugo Ekitike's red card blunder against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. The French striker opened his shirt, while celebrating a last-gasp winner which led to the referee showing him his second yellow card of the night resulting in his sending off. Slot later openly slammed Ekitike for his "stupid" behaviour.
Eddie Howe is putting his Newcastle players through post-game training sessions to bolster their attacking output, as the Magpies seek to replace the goalscoring prowess of Alexander Isak. With record-signing Nick Woltemade bagging just once in his first three appearances, and Yoanne Wissa out through injury, Newcastle's manager is hoping to get his whole team firing to kickstart their season.
Arne Slot knew full well that the first question of his post-match press conference after Tuesday night's Carabao Cup win over Southampton would be about Hugo Ekitike - but he wasn't happy about it.
Hugo Ekitike has been slammed for his "dumb" red card in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The France striker, who was already on a yellow card, came off the bench to score a late winner for the Reds but picked up a second booking for taking his shirt off in celebration. Now, the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man has been torn apart on social media.
Alexander Isak's first goal for Liverpool should have been the story after Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield. Instead, it was Hugo Ekitike getting himself stupidly sent off after netting the winner.
Liverpool's £125 million recruit was outshone by his fellow forward as the Reds claimed a 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. Alexander Isak had to make do with a spot on the bench and, for the time being, he may have to play second fiddle to the on-fire Hugo Ekitike, who found the back of the net once again.
Arne Slot has decided to leave both of his big new signings, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, on the bench for Liverpool's massive Merseyside clash against Everton. Wirtz has started all six games for the Reds this season, while Isak made a 60-minute debut for the Premier League champions in the Champions League earlier this week. Hugo Ekitike starts up top for Slot's side at Anfield instead.
Liverpool sporting director, Richard Hughes, justified the £450 million ($606m) summer spend which saw two club records shattered, and a squad reshaped with some of Europe’s hottest talents. Alexander Isak arrived for a record £125m ($168m) breaking the club’s transfer ceiling, whereas Florian Wirtz joined in a deal worth £100m, potentially rising to £116m ($156m).
There are obviously two ways of looking at Liverpool's 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday evening. On the plus side, they scored another late winner. On the negative side, they needed another late winner.
Rafael Benitez claims that Newcastle United are "missing" Alexander Isak already following his big-money move to Liverpool. After going on strike and trying to force a St James' Park exit, the Sweden international finally joined the Reds for a British record fee of £125 million ($169m) on transfer deadline day. Now, the Spaniard, who managed both sides, says Isak's departure is a big loss for the Magpies.
Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak finally pulled on the Reds shirt for the first time, featuring in Wednesday night’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. The £125 million striker lasted just under an hour at Anfield, but his display left Arne Slot both encouraged and slightly taken aback by the Swede’s sharpness so soon after joining from Newcastle.