Alexander Isak admits Liverpool have ‘lots to improve’ despite Brentford win

Alexander Isak has admitted Liverpool still have significant work to do despite scoring the decisive goal in their 2-1 Premier League victory over nine-man Brentford on Saturday.

The Swedish striker struck in the 70th minute to complete Liverpool’s comeback in west London, but the visitors struggled to control the closing stages despite holding a numerical advantage.

Brentford had taken the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter’s header before Yegor Yarmolyuk was sent off just before half-time for headbutting Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool capitalised on the dismissal, with Victor Munoz restoring parity before Isak fired home his fifth goal of the season on his return from injury.

However, the Reds failed to kill off the contest convincingly, even after Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card in stoppage time to leave Brentford with nine players.

Isak, who watched the final moments from the bench after being substituted, acknowledged that Liverpool must improve their performances despite collecting three important points.

“I think there’s still lots to improve. We’re taking steps, and we’re grabbing points on the way, which is important,” he said.

The striker revealed that he and his fellow substitutes were increasingly anxious as Liverpool struggled to manage their advantage in the closing stages.

“Us from the bench were screaming for the team to keep the ball and just play out the game,” Isak added.

Liverpool fail to close out Brentford

Liverpool appeared well placed to secure a comfortable victory after taking the lead through Isak, but their inability to retain possession allowed Brentford to remain in contention.

The hosts had already been reduced to 10 men following Yarmolyuk’s dismissal, giving Liverpool a numerical advantage for much of the second half.

Munoz’s equaliser put the visitors back on level terms before Isak produced the decisive moment with a powerful finish to put Liverpool ahead.

Yet the closing stages proved unnecessarily tense for Andoni Iraola’s side. Janelt’s dismissal in stoppage time further tilted the balance in Liverpool’s favour, but the visitors still struggled to manage the game with the composure expected of a team chasing a top-four finish.

Liverpool’s victory nevertheless strengthened their position in the Premier League table, lifting them to fifth and within two points of second-placed Arsenal.

For Isak, the result represented a positive return from injury, although his post-match assessment reflected the team’s shortcomings despite the three points.

Andoni Iraola frustrated by late collapse in control

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also expressed dissatisfaction with how his players handled the final stages after Isak’s winner.

The Reds had controlled much of the contest before taking the lead, but their approach changed once they moved in front, allowing Brentford opportunities to threaten a comeback.

“I think we played really well until the 2-1. After that we started to protect something, I think we didn’t manage the last minutes well,” Iraola said.

The Liverpool boss believes his players should have prioritised possession rather than repeatedly attempting to extend their advantage through forward passes and attacking moves.

“We lacked some composure on the ball. Sometimes it was just about keeping the ball more and not going for the goal with the first chance.”

Iraola’s comments echoed Isak’s concerns about Liverpool’s game management, with both acknowledging that the team must become more composed when protecting a lead.

Although the victory moved Liverpool closer to the top of the table, the manner of their performance highlighted areas requiring attention.

Isak’s winning goal and return from injury provided encouragement, but Liverpool will need to improve their control of matches if they are to maintain their push up the Premier League standings.