Alexander Isak Defended from Liverpool Criticism by Arne Slot as Reds Boss Claims £125m Striker Was ‘Very Honest’ in Crystal Palace Loss

Isak Makes First Premier League Start for Liverpool in Palace Defeat

Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to a frustrating end at Selhurst Park, as Arne Slot’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. The focus, though, was not just on the result but on the performance of their new record signing, Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward, who joined the Reds in a £125 million deadline-day move, made his first league start for the club but found himself under the spotlight after a quiet display.

Slot Defends His Striker After Below-Par Team Display

Slot, however, moved quickly to defend his marquee striker, stressing that context matters when judging the 26-year-old’s performance. With fitness still an issue after a turbulent summer, and Liverpool as a whole underperforming, the Dutch head coach pointed out that Isak’s work rate, movement, and honesty in difficult moments showed encouraging signs rather than disappointment.

A Summer of Turmoil and a Late Anfield Arrival

Isak’s transfer saga dominated the summer headlines. Determined to force through his dream move to Anfield, the Swede opted against travelling with Newcastle United for their preseason tour and instead trained alone at Real Sociedad, his former club. That decision sparked debates around modern player power, but eventually Liverpool got their man on deadline day. The price tag, a British record for a striker, instantly created expectation.

Yet, without a full preseason and having to regain fitness levels in-season, Slot has been careful with his new forward. Even in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, Isak was spotted doing sprints at half-time to keep his body sharp. He scored his first goal for the club that night, reminding fans of his clinical finishing, but his match sharpness is still a work in progress.

Palace Performance Under the Microscope

Liverpool v Southampton – Carabao Cup Third Round

At Selhurst Park, Isak lasted 84 minutes before being replaced by youngster Rio Ngumoha. The Swede came closest to scoring when he wriggled through Palace’s backline but dragged his shot wide under pressure, with Slot later pointing out that a shirt pull had unbalanced him. His coach praised his honesty for staying on his feet rather than going down in search of a penalty.

With Hugo Ekitike suspended after his red card in midweek, Isak was given the responsibility of leading the line almost to the final whistle. Slot explained that he kept his star striker on because the nature of the match — Palace sitting deep in a low block — required less running in behind and more patience in tight areas.

Slot’s Tactical Gamble with Wirtz and Gakpo

Another major talking point was Slot’s decision to start Florian Wirtz over Cody Gakpo. The coach admitted that his plan to overload the midfield in the first half did not work as expected, with Liverpool lacking width and penetration. As a result, he brought on Gakpo after the interval to stretch the Palace defense, but the early goal conceded had already tilted the game against the Reds. Slot acknowledged that the first-half display fell short of his vision.

Isak and Ekitike Could Form Formidable Partnership

Isak-Ekitike

Looking ahead, Liverpool fans may not have to wait long to see their two new forwards operating together. Ekitike will be available again for the Champions League clash against Galatasaray and the following Premier League showdown with Chelsea. Slot now faces the intriguing decision of whether to rotate his strikers or unleash them as a duo.

With Isak’s physicality, technical flair, and ability to link play, and Ekitike’s sharp movement and instinctive finishing, Liverpool could be about to unleash one of Europe’s most exciting attacking partnerships. But for now, patience will be key, especially with Isak still building towards peak condition.

Slot Urges Calm Over Isak’s Slow Start

After the Palace defeat, Slot’s message was clear: Liverpool supporters should not rush to judge Isak. The coach described his striker’s performance as “quite good,” noting that he was “very honest” in contested moments and almost found the net. Slot also emphasized that the defeat was more about the team’s collective struggles than one individual.

“Palace played with low intensity, ten men behind the ball, and made it a stop-start kind of game,” Slot explained. “That allowed Isak to stay on for 84 minutes. In a more open game, maybe he plays less. But he worked hard, he was close to scoring, and he gave us presence up front.”

A Season of High Expectations

The reality for Isak is that his transfer fee ensures scrutiny. Every missed chance, every quiet game, will be amplified. But Liverpool bought him for more than just goals — his ability to stretch defenses, link midfield to attack, and create openings for others makes him a complete forward. Slot is betting that once his match rhythm returns, the Premier League will see the best of him.

For Liverpool, the Palace setback is a reminder that this is a season of transition under a new manager. Slot is implementing fresh ideas, balancing his squad, and bedding in big-money signings. Isak may not have delivered fireworks on his full league debut, but Slot’s unwavering backing shows that the long-term project is more important than short-term criticism.

The Road Ahead

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures against Galatasaray and Chelsea will provide the perfect platform for Isak to make a statement. Whether as a starter or an impact substitute, the Swede will be eager to repay the faith shown in him by Slot and to begin silencing the doubters. Alongside Ekitike, he could soon form the spearhead of a new-look Liverpool attack capable of challenging on all fronts.

For now, Slot’s words ring true: Isak is still getting up to speed, and patience is required. Liverpool’s £125 million man may not have set Selhurst Park alight, but the signs are there. Once fully fit and integrated, Alexander Isak could yet prove to be the difference-maker in Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware this season.