Isak repays Liverpool patience with decisive strike in 2-0 win over Brighton

Alexander Isak scored in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton at Anfield on Sunday, taking his tally to six goals this season. Those six strikes account for more than half of Liverpool's 11 Premier League goals so far.

Isak arrived at Anfield in August 2025 from Newcastle for a British record fee of £125m but endured a difficult first season after a slow start and a broken leg in December, finishing that campaign with four goals in 22 games. Club figures maintained he was a long-term signing and insisted judgment would be reserved until he was fully fit. This season has been markedly different for the 27-year-old, whose recent form has prompted renewed optimism inside the squad.

Isak is averaging almost a goal per game and has an average of 0.95 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season. Only Erling Haaland (nine) has scored more Premier League goals than Isak so far. The Swede’s six goals make him directly responsible for a majority of Liverpool’s league scoring this term.

Against Brighton, Isak again produced a decisive moment after a performance that, as at Brentford last weekend, was not dazzling throughout but proved crucial when it mattered. His strike provided breathing space despite Brighton registering 64% possession and finishing with a higher expected goals (xG) than the visitors. Liverpool ultimately saw the match out and manager Andoni Iraola recorded his first league win at Anfield at the fourth time of asking.

Isak praised the team after the game, saying: "Today, the performance was really good against a really good team," and added: "The first half is really what we want to be about - winning balls and the intensity." Iraola highlighted the role of support play, saying: "Alex [Isak] is threatening, especially if we can get him in those positions and we can provide him good crosses. In this case, it's a matter of Bradley [Barcola] winning the duel and being faster than the opposition to get us in that position."

Bradley Barcola’s pressing and recovery of possession directly led to Isak’s finish, and the pair celebrated together as they had at Brentford. Florian Wirtz and Barcola were described as excellent in the match, while Cody Gakpo posed a consistent threat; Wirtz was unlucky not to be credited for the opening goal when his shot took a deflection off Pascal Gross that put Liverpool ahead.

Defensively, Ronald Araujo was singled out for a strong performance as Liverpool recorded their fourth clean sheet in eight league games. The match featured a sparse share of the ball for the hosts — 35.6% possession, Liverpool’s second-lowest in a Premier League home win since 2003-04 — and supporters who had "braved the conditions after Storm Boelo" witnessed a disciplined defensive display.

Wirtz was substituted in the second half with what Iraola described as "a small twist of the ankle": "Unfortunately, he had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle," said Iraola. "It doesn't look very big but we are playing every three days so we need to see where he is." The combination of Isak, Barcola and Wirtz has cost the Reds a total of £248m.

Iraola registered his fourth consecutive win since the loss to Manchester City at Anfield a fortnight ago and Liverpool moved up to fourth in the table. It is Arsenal next up in the league.