Isak and Wirtz Shine as Liverpool Win Without Salah

Isak, Wirtz Star as Liverpool Begin to Shape Life Without Salah

Liverpool may have started drafting their next chapter in life beyond Mohamed Salah after a crucial 2-0 win at West Ham, their first Premier League victory in four weeks.

Salah Benched as Slot Makes Bold Call

In a major surprise, head coach Arne Slot benched Salah—marking the first time since April 2024 (also vs West Ham) the Egyptian did not start a league game when fit.

It was a high-risk, high-reward decision, but one that paid off handsomely.

Salah, who has 188 Premier League goals in 300 appearances and a 64% win rate, remained on the bench, watching as Slot’s summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz guided the Reds to a much-needed three points.

Match Summary

• 54’ | Isak — Sharp half-volley after a cross from Cody Gakpo

• 90+2’ | Gakpo — Fired home in stoppage time to seal the win

New-Look Attack Delivers

Slot opted for a front three of Isak, Gakpo, and a freed-up Dominik Szoboszlai, with Wirtz pulling strings behind. The restructured attack brought energy and creativity rarely seen in recent games.

• Isak ended a 310-minute Premier League goal drought with a composed finish.

• Wirtz, the £116m summer signing, dictated play with elegant passing and spatial awareness.

• Joe Gomez returned at right-back, allowing Szoboszlai to return to midfield and boost Liverpool’s pressing game.

The result snapped a run of six defeats in seven league games and gave Slot only his second win in 13 matches.

Post-Match Reaction

Arne Slot:

“Mo is still key for us, but we also need to plan for the future. Today gave us a glimpse of what that could look like.”

Alan Shearer on Salah being dropped:

“It’s a massive decision, but a necessary one. Salah hasn’t been in form and Slot had to act. It worked today.”

Isak to Match of the Day:

“I’ve been chasing this goal. Hopefully, I can build momentum now.”

Salah’s Impact by Numbers

• 419 appearances, 250 goals, 63% win rate

• 300 Premier League appearances, 188 goals

• Liverpool won 263 games with Salah in the squad

He remains a club legend, but competition and rotation are key in Slot’s evolving system—especially with AFCON approaching, where Salah will be unavailable.

What’s Next?

• Liverpool host Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday, 3 December (19:30 GMT)

• West Ham travel to face Bournemouth on the same day