Isak Finally Justifies £125m Price Tag as Liverpool Beat Brighton 2-0

Alexander Isak scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday. The £125m striker, who struggled with injuries last term, is now averaging almost a goal per game and has scored more than half of Liverpool's league goals this campaign.

  • Match: Liverpool 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Key scorer: Alexander Isak (sixth league goal of the season)
  • Manager: Andoni Iraola secured his first league win at Anfield at the fourth attempt

What was said

"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."

— Alexander Isak, Liverpool striker

"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," said Iraola.

— Andoni Iraola, Liverpool manager

"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."

— Andoni Iraola on Florian Wirtz's injury

Isak's comments underline Liverpool's aggressive approach, particularly in the first half. Iraola's praise for Barcola highlights the importance of width and pressing in creating chances for the striker. The injury update on Wirtz will be a concern given the hectic schedule.

The numbers

  • Possession: Brighton 64% - Liverpool 35.6% (Liverpool's second-lowest on record in a Premier League home win since 2003-04)
  • Isak's goals: 6 Premier League goals this season, more than half of Liverpool's total
  • Only Erling Haaland (9) has scored more Premier League goals this season than Isak
  • Liverpool clean sheets: 4 in 8 league games this season
  • Iraola's record: Fourth win in a row since loss to Manchester City; first league win at Anfield at fourth attempt
  • Brighton's form: Had scored 15 league goals in previous four games before blanking at Anfield

Injury and availability

Florian Wirtz was substituted in the second half with a small twist of the ankle. Manager Iraola said it doesn't look very big but the club will assess him given the congested fixture list. No other injuries were reported from the match.

Deal details

Alexander Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in August 2025 for a British record £125m. The transfer was completed and the striker signed a long-term contract.

Why Isak is Finally Delivering for Liverpool

Alexander Isak arrived at Anfield with huge expectations but a broken leg in December ruined his first season, limiting him to just four goals in 22 games. Liverpool's patience is now being rewarded as the Swedish striker has hit form, scoring crucial goals in consecutive wins over Brentford and Brighton. His movement and finishing, combined with the service from Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz, have made him the focal point of Iraola's attack.

The tactical shift under Iraola has also helped. Liverpool are now more direct and willing to concede possession, as evidenced by their 35.6% possession against Brighton. This approach suits Isak's pace and ability to run in behind. The understanding with Barcola, in particular, is flourishing: the winger's pace and directness create space for Isak, and the two have combined for goals in back-to-back games.

With Arsenal next in the league, Isak's form will be crucial. If he continues to score at this rate, Liverpool's £125m investment will look like a bargain. The rest of the Premier League has been warned.

Talking points

  • Is Isak now worth the £125m fee? His goal record is impressive, but consistency over a full season will be the true test.
  • Can Liverpool sustain success with low possession? Iraola's side have won games without dominating the ball, but will that work against stronger teams?
  • How big a blow is Wirtz's injury? The German has been influential, and his absence could disrupt Liverpool's rhythm in a busy period.
  • Is Barcola the ideal partner for Isak? Their combination is thriving, but does Liverpool need more depth in wide areas?

What happens next

Liverpool face Arsenal in the Premier League next. With Isak in scoring form and the team on a four-game winning streak, they will aim to continue their climb up the table. The match will also provide an update on Wirtz's fitness, with the club assessing his ankle injury. Three points against Arsenal would further validate Liverpool's recent resurgence under Iraola.

Frequently asked questions

How many goals has Alexander Isak scored for Liverpool this season?

Isak has scored six Premier League goals this season, including the opener against Brighton.

What is Liverpool's record under Andoni Iraola at Anfield?

Iraola secured his first league win at Anfield at the fourth attempt, beating Brighton 2-0.

Is Florian Wirtz injured?

Wirtz was substituted with a small twist of the ankle; the club is assessing the severity.

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