Liverpool Stops Bleeding, Slots Still Safe

LONDON, SUNDAY — Liverpool's performance was far from extraordinary as they snatched a victory at the home of West Ham United. However, that is not important. Winning is the most crucial aspect for the team coached by Arne Slot at this time. They achieved it with an unconventional approach.

Liverpool has finally managed to stop the bleeding after three consecutive losses across all competitions. They defeated West Ham 2-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday (30/11/2025) evening WIB. This marks the first away victory for "The Reds" since mid-September.

The results feel increasingly perfect for Liverpool as striker Alexander Isak successfully scored the first goal in the Premier League this season. Isak, who had experienced a goal drought after moving from Newcastle United in the summer, opened the scoring for the visiting team in the middle of the second half.

"We knew it would be difficult to get back to winning ways after the team's recent performance. I'm happy we won and I was able to score. When you're going through tough times as a team, the key is to fight," said Isak, who was brought in as a starter.

Liverpool was quite fortunate. West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta was sent off the field in the 84th minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. Prior to that incident, the home team, which was trailing by one goal, managed to put pressure on Virgil van Dijk and his teammates to defend resolutely.

The visitors were still under pressure after facing ten-man West Ham. However, they finally ended Nuno Espirito Santo's team's resistance with a counter-attack in injury time. Winger Cody Gakpo took the penalty in a chaotic situation in front of the opposing goal.

Slot stated that the victory began with defense. West Ham ended the match without any shots on target. "A much-needed victory. We did not give anything to the opposing team as a gift, unlike what has often happened this season," he said.

Liverpool arrived at the London Stadium with the primary mission of improving their defense. They have been struggling with their backline since the beginning of the season, having conceded ten goals in the last three matches. It is understandable that Slot adopted a very cautious and disciplined playing approach.

The slot reserved for winger Mohamed Salah often becomes a gap when Liverpool is without ball possession. Interestingly, this position is filled by midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. Meanwhile, the role of right-back is taken by Joe Gomez, who usually plays as a center-back.

Liverpool usually relies heavily on counterattacks and enjoys a high-paced, chaotic tempo. Now, they tend to hold the ball more and attack slowly from the back. The coach seems to want to have full control of the game, not wanting to be caught off guard by the opponent's transitions.

Caution was evident in the number of shots attempted by Liverpool. The visiting team recorded only nine shots throughout the match, far below their league average (15.3 times). This tactic proved successful in neutralizing the counter-threat from West Ham, which only produced seven shots.

The opening goal for Liverpool was created after successfully surrounding the opponent's final third. Creative midfielder Florian Wirtz provided a through pass to the wing for Gakpo. Then, Gakpo continued with a cross to Isak. The goal was concluded with a single touch from Isak.

"A disappointing day. We felt we dominated the match, controlling the game. The lack of concentration from the players (at crucial moments) harmed us. Of course, that is also because we faced a good team," said Nuno, who has just taken charge of West Ham since the end of September.

Liverpool is indeed only facing a team ranked 17th. Nevertheless, the clean sheet record of goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains intact. West Ham has recently begun to find its rhythm under the leadership of Nuno. The home team had previously scored eight goals in their last three matches.

The slot can breathe a little for the time being. The immense pressure on his shoulders has begun to lessen following the positive results. However, there are other questions that the coach must address. Liverpool has actually shown its best balance and has been able to rise when Salah is not on the field.

The future of Salah at Liverpool is filled with uncertainty. "We have played many matches. In just the last ten days, there have been four games. Mo (Salah) is certainly very important for the club, so let us see together what will happen on Wednesday (against Sunderland)," explained Slot.