Sports

Alexander Isak ends goal drought as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0 in Premier League clash

Published

2 months ago

November 30, 2025

Alexander Isak ends goal drought as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0 in Premier League clash

Alexander Isak finally opened his Premier League account for Liverpool as Arne Slot’s side snapped their poor run with a composed 2-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.

In a bold tactical shift, Arne Slot dropped Mohamed Salah from a league starting XI for the first time since April 2024, ending a streak of 53 consecutive Premier League starts. The focus, however, was firmly on Isak, who arrived from Newcastle United in a record £125m transfer, making him the most expensive signing in British football history.

The Swedish striker had endured a barren spell, failing to score in his first five league appearances for Liverpool and netting just once in all competitions — a League Cup goal against Southampton. But he delivered at last, guiding in a low finish on the hour mark after a clever cut-back from Cody Gakpo, who later added Liverpool’s second deep into stoppage time.

It marked the end of a 10-match goal drought for club and country, offering Liverpool a much-needed spark after a dreadful run that included a 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven and successive 3-0 league losses to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

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Despite earlier being denied by a superb Alphonse Areola save from a bicycle kick, Isak kept pushing, eventually rewarding Slot’s faith. His goal was only his second shot on target in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool also benefitted from West Ham’s indiscipline. Lucas Paqueta was sent off in the 84th minute after picking up two quick yellow cards for dissent, compounding the home side’s frustrations.

Gakpo sealed the win moments later, smashing home from 12 yards after West Ham failed to clear their lines.

Speaking after the match, a relieved Isak said: “I’ve been waiting for it and chasing it. Sometimes it takes longer than you expect, but I’m happy to score and help the team. As a striker, you need momentum.”

For Liverpool — who had lost nine of their previous 12 games, their worst run since the 1953-54 season — the win was a crucial boost amid rising pressure on Slot. The result lifted them to eighth place with 21 points, while West Ham slipped to 17th on 11 points.

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Alexander Isak ends goal drought as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0 in Premier League clash

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Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Sports

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already taking shape, with Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé emerging as early front-runners for football’s most prestigious individual award. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now past their peak, the field is wide open for new stars to claim the coveted Golden Ball.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice tops early rankings thanks to his influential performances in club and international competitions, particularly his leadership in Arsenal’s title push. Close behind are Harry Kane, who continues to score prolifically for Bayern Munich, Erling Haaland with his lethal finishing for Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappé, maintaining his form for Real Madrid and France.

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Rising star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, also features prominently among early favourites, while other notable contenders include midfield dynamo Vitinha and reigning 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Analysts note that the race is still early and that Champions League and World Cup performances will heavily influence the final outcome.

The early rankings provide a snapshot of the competition, highlighting a mix of established stars and emerging talents who could define the next era of global football.