Alexander Isak’s second season at Liverpool is beginning to justify his British-record £125m transfer fee after another decisive goal helped secure a 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton.
The Sweden striker joined from Newcastle in August 2025 with considerable expectations, but his first campaign was disrupted by a slow start and a broken leg in December. He managed only four goals in 22 appearances.
Isak’s form has changed significantly this season. His goal against Brighton on Sunday took his total to six for the campaign and helped Liverpool overcome one of the league’s in-form sides.
The 27-year-old is now averaging almost a goal a game and has scored more than half of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season. Only Erling Haaland, with nine, has scored more in the competition.
As at Brentford last weekend, Isak was not always the most influential player on the pitch, but his goal again proved vital. His finish gave Liverpool some breathing room against a Brighton side that controlled 64% of possession and finished with a higher expected goals figure than Andoni Iraola’s team.
Liverpool held on for an impressive result, with the victory arguably their best league performance under Iraola. It was also his first league win at Anfield at the fourth attempt.
During Isak’s injury-affected 2025-26 campaign, Liverpool’s belief was that they had made a long-term investment and that judgements should wait until the striker was fully fit. His recent performances suggest that patience is now being rewarded.
“Today, the performance was really good against a really good team,” Isak said.
“The first half is really what we want to be about – winning balls and the intensity.”
Liverpool’s next league fixture is against Arsenal, and Isak’s improvement gives Iraola reason for optimism. The forward is not yet considered to be at his best.
“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.”
Liverpool’s defensive strength underlined
The win was Liverpool’s fourth in succession since their defeat by Manchester City at Anfield a fortnight ago.
Supporters who attended despite the conditions following Storm Boelo saw Liverpool start aggressively and defend effectively. Brighton had scored 15 league goals in their previous four matches but were largely contained.
Yasin Ayari had an early opportunity, which the Swede blazed over, but Fabian Hurzeler’s side created few other significant chances. Ronald Araujo was again outstanding as Liverpool recorded their fourth clean sheet in eight league games.
Liverpool’s 35.6% possession was their second-lowest figure in a Premier League home victory since records began in 2003-04. Iraola’s Bournemouth side were comfortable without dominating the ball, suggesting Liverpool can allow opponents possession if it prevents them from adopting a low block.
Florian Wirtz and Barcola were both excellent, while Cody Gakpo posed a consistent threat. Wirtz was unlucky not to be credited with the opening goal after his shot deflected off Pascal Gross.
The German’s confidence is growing in a Liverpool shirt, although the club will hope he does not miss time after being replaced in the second half.
“Unfortunately, he had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle,” Iraola said.
“It doesn’t look very big but we are playing every three days so we need to see where he is.”
Barcola’s pressing was central to Isak’s goal, with his determination to win possession creating the opportunity for the striker to finish instinctively. He copied Isak’s celebration, as they had done after scoring at Brentford in west London the previous weekend.
The victory moved Liverpool up to fourth, with their Isak-Barcola partnership having cost the club £248m in total. If the pair continue combining to deliver victories, that investment will suit Iraola and Liverpool.
