Alexander Isak Begins to Justify Record Fee as Liverpool Defeat Brighton

Alexander Isak may finally be starting to live up to the expectations that accompanied his British-record £125 million move from Newcastle to Liverpool in August 2025. After a difficult first season that yielded only four goals in 22 appearances following a slow start and a broken leg in December, the Sweden striker has found form this campaign. His goal in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton took his Premier League tally to six, accounting for more than half of Liverpool’s league goals so far.

Isak is averaging close to a goal per 90 minutes. Only Erling Haaland, with nine, has scored more in the division. His strike against Brighton provided valuable breathing room against a side that finished the match with 64% possession and a higher expected-goals figure than Liverpool. The result marked Andoni Iraola’s first league win at Anfield at the fourth attempt and extended the manager’s winning run to four matches since a defeat to Manchester City.

Isak did not dominate the game in the manner of some of his previous performances, yet the goal was decisive. “Today, the performance was really good against a really good team,” he said afterwards. “The first half is really what we want to be about – winning balls and the intensity.” Iraola noted that Isak remains most dangerous when supplied in the right areas. “Alex is threatening, especially if we can get him in those positions and we can provide him good crosses,” the manager said, highlighting Bradley Barcola’s role in creating the opportunity through a high press and a duel win.

The victory was built on more than just Isak’s finish. Liverpool defended solidly, recording their fourth clean sheet in eight league games. Ronald Araujo was outstanding at the back, while Florian Wirtz and Barcola both impressed. Wirtz was involved in the opening goal, which took a deflection off Pascal Gross, though he was later substituted with a minor ankle twist. “It doesn’t look very big but we are playing every three days so we need to see where he is,” Iraola said. Barcola’s energy and willingness to win the ball back fitted Iraola’s preferred approach; he even replicated Isak’s celebration after the goal, as the pair had done the previous weekend at Brentford.

Interestingly, Liverpool’s 35.6% possession was their second-lowest on record in a Premier League home win. Iraola’s side appeared content to concede the ball when it allowed them to press and create openings rather than face a low block. Brighton, who had scored 15 goals in their previous four league matches, were restricted after an early chance for Yasin Ayari. The home crowd, who braved the conditions following Storm Boelo, saw an aggressive performance from the outset.

Isak and Barcola cost Liverpool a combined £248 million. If their partnership continues to produce results as it has in recent weeks, the investment will look increasingly justified. Isak is still some way short of his best, which may concern the rest of the Premier League as Arsenal await in the next league fixture. The patience shown during last season’s injury-hit campaign appears to be paying off.