Iraola expects Isak to maintain scoring form after Liverpool beat Brighton

Andoni Iraola expects Alexander Isak to continue finding the net after the Liverpool striker helped his side secure a 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool took control with two goals in quick succession during the first half. Pascal Gross put through his own net before Isak scored to extend his excellent run in front of goal.

The Sweden international has now scored six goals in seven league appearances this season, with three of those coming in his past four matches. His latest goal further suggested he is beginning to justify the 125 million pounds Liverpool paid Newcastle for his services.

Iraola said Isak would continue to score if Liverpool could consistently create the right opportunities for him.

“If we can put him in those positions, we can provide him good crosses, good situations, he will score the goals,” Iraola said.

The result represented a strong response from Liverpool after their disappointing 3-0 defeat by Manchester City. They have now won four consecutive matches in all competitions and moved up to fourth in the Premier League, one point behind third-placed Brighton and six points below leaders City.

“Very happy for today, very happy overall for this fourth win,” Iraola said.

Liverpool made an aggressive start and, unlike in several recent matches, did not concede first. That allowed them to manage the game more effectively once they had established their two-goal advantage.

“We faced a very good opposition and it was key how we started today. We needed a strong start, be aggressive, recover balls, win our duels, be dangerous in transitions,” Iraola added.

“Today we’ve started better and the game has gone differently.”

There was concern for Florian Wirtz, who left the field with an ankle injury. Iraola said he hoped the problem was not serious, but acknowledged Liverpool would have to assess the playmaker with matches being played every three days.

Brighton frustrated by missed chances

Brighton had 64 per cent possession and attempted 17 shots, but left Anfield without a point. Yasin Ayari hit the post, while only one of the visitors’ efforts was on target.

Fabian Hurzeler believed Brighton had done enough to earn more from the match, especially during the period before Liverpool scored. Brighton’s defence had gone more than nine hours without conceding before Gross’ own goal ended that run.

“I think everyone in the stadium saw that there was one team who really tried to create and try to win this game and therefore I have to praise my players,” Hurzeler said.

“There was a missed opportunity for us. Before they scored, we had one, two big chances and I think it was just the difference that they scored, we didn’t score.”

Hurzeler also accepted that Liverpool defended their penalty area effectively, blocking a number of attempts as Brighton struggled to turn possession into clear goalscoring opportunities.

“They really defended the box well. We didn’t have that efficiency,” he said.