Isak finally finds the net as Liverpool edge past Palace in April clash

Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield in Liverpool's 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace.

Anfield erupts as Isak ends goal drought The Liverpool faithful were in high spirits at Anfield as the clock approached 3:35 pm, celebrating Alexander Isak’s first home Premier League goal for the club. After waiting 236 days since joining for a British record £125 million, Isak’s strike looped over Dean Henderson and into the net, sparking wild celebrations from his teammates. The Swedish forward’s goal set Liverpool on course for a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. This was Isak’s first goal of 2026 and the first time Liverpool had won a home league match he started. ## Slot reflects on Isak’s long road to first Reds goal Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on the milestone after the game, asking, "Did anyone ever think we would say this, eight or nine months ago, that at the end of April, Alexander Isak scored his first Liverpool league goal at Anfield?" Slot added that Isak’s goal was particularly meaningful given the striker’s injury struggles. "That sums up this season a lot - that an unbelievable striker has had such a long time with injuries. It’s really nice that he has scored because when we signed him we knew he could score goals." ## From Newcastle hero to Liverpool’s injury crisis Just a year ago, Isak was scoring for Newcastle United on the same weekend, netting in a victory that relegated Ipswich Town. That goal was part of a 26-goal season that helped Eddie Howe’s side secure a Champions League spot, finishing with 27 for the campaign. In August 2025, Isak moved to Liverpool for a then-British record fee, declaring his ambition to "create history" and "win trophies" at the club. Instead, his first season has been marked by injuries and inconsistent form. ## A nightmare start at Anfield Isak’s debut campaign has been plagued by setbacks, including a serious ankle injury in December that involved a fractured fibula. Prior to that, he had started ahead of Hugo Ekitike, fueling fan debates about his role. Four months later, Isak remains a shadow of his former self, yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Liverpool. Against Palace, he managed 18 touches, took one shot—converting it into a goal—and was subbed off for Ryan Gravenberch in the 79th minute. His total minutes so far? 1,009, far below the 3,319 he played for Newcastle last season. ## Pundit urges Liverpool to get Isak firing Former player Martin Keown, a Match of the Day pundit, described Isak’s goal as "a long time coming for someone who cost a British record transfer fee." He praised the moment’s significance while stressing Liverpool’s need to see more from the striker. "That feeling of celebrating with the home fans is something for him to build on. Isak showed us a little bit of what we thought we’d see from the start of the season. If Liverpool can get him fully fit and back to the form he showed at Newcastle, then clearly he’s an outstanding player—and someone the club will still have big expectations for." With Mohamed Salah departing in summer and Ekitike likely sidelined for the rest of 2026, Keown emphasized, "the Reds are going to need him back to his best." ## Fans pin hopes on World Cup reset for Isak Isak, now under contract at Liverpool until 2031, is expected to represent Sweden at the upcoming World Cup. Some supporters believe the tournament could be the reset he needs before his second season. Swedish fan Mattias Astrom, who traveled to Liverpool for the Palace game, said, "He hasn’t gone so well for him so far. He needs confidence and he has to score. That’s why Liverpool bought him—to score goals. Maybe he can start fresh next season." Another Sweden supporter, Fredde Andersson, added, "I was excited when Liverpool signed Isak. But he’s not the player he was at Newcastle last season. Now Hugo Ekitike is injured, maybe he will get more minutes."