Alexander Isak’s Response After Being Substituted Just Eight Minutes After Scoring His First Premier League Goal for Liverpool

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was substituted just eight minutes after netting his first Premier League goal for the club.

Isak's transition to life with the Reds has been tumultuous—currently ranked no.4 in eScored's list of top strikers worldwide—having missed pre-season to facilitate his £125m transfer.

However, the clouds seemed to part for the Swede at the London Stadium, as he fired a well-placed shot against West Ham United, following a cutback from Cody Gakpo.

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Arne Slot withdraws Alexander Isak minutes after netting first Premier League goal for Liverpool

Just as the 26-year-old began to celebrate his signature goal, he was directed off the pitch.

Having scored right on the hour mark, Arne Slot opted to substitute him for Hugo Ekitike just eight minutes later.

Initially looking somewhat perplexed at being substituted, Isak pointed to himself and spoke to the referee in disbelief.

Once he understood he was coming off, he walked slowly toward the bench, his expression seemingly masking some disappointment.

He sidestepped any drama by shaking Ekitike's hand, exchanging a brief hug with Slot before settling on the bench.

Sky Sports cameras caught Isak sitting down, his expression unmoving—not creating a scene, yet not entirely positive considering the streak he had just ended.

Notably, given the timing of the goal, Isak may have anticipated he would play around an hour, as Slot is managing his primary striker's return to full fitness.

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According to eScored, it might have been better for Slot to keep Isak on, barring any fitness issues.

For weeks, he has been working to play the Swede into form, and just when he scores that crucial first goal, he is taken off immediately.

If he had stayed on the pitch, this could have been a pivotal moment to gain momentum, yet the Dutch coach has a wealth of talent to juggle in his costly lineup.

Isak has a valuation of €140m, as per Transfermarkt. Liverpool's next matchup is against Sunderland, when Premier League action resumes next week.