Is Alexander Isak Turning Liverpool Back Into Premier League Title Contenders?

Alexander Isak’s outstanding goalscoring form is helping Liverpool rediscover their confidence under Andoni Iraola, with the Reds now looking to close the gap on the Premier League’s leading sides.

Liverpool recorded their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions on Sunday afternoon, beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at Anfield thanks to a Pascal Groß own goal and another clinical finish from Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has now scored six goals in just seven Premier League appearances this season, including finding the net in each of his last three league outings. His performances have helped Liverpool climb to fourth in the table, six points behind joint-leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

With reigning champions Arsenal travelling to Anfield on Sunday 1st November, Isak’s goalscoring form could prove crucial as Liverpool look to establish themselves as genuine Premier League title contenders.

Alexander Isak Finding His Best Form at Liverpool

Liverpool broke the British transfer record when they signed Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million in September 2025, but the striker endured a frustrating debut campaign at Anfield.

Having scored 23 Premier League goals for Newcastle during the 2024/25 season, expectations surrounding the Swedish forward were understandably high. However, injuries and difficulties establishing himself in the Liverpool attack restricted Isak to just three league goals in 14 appearances during his first season on Merseyside.

The 2026/27 campaign has been a different story. Isak has already doubled his previous league tally, scoring six times in seven appearances and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards.

His latest contribution came against Brighton on Sunday, when Bradley Barcola won possession high up the pitch before driving forward and delivering a low ball into the penalty area. Isak was perfectly positioned to convert the opportunity, doubling Liverpool’s advantage in the 21st minute.

The 27-year-old has now scored six of Liverpool’s 11 Premier League goals this season, demonstrating just how influential he has become in Iraola’s attacking system.

Liverpool’s Attack Beginning to Click Under Andoni Iraola

The arrival of Andoni Iraola during the summer marked the beginning of a significant transition at Liverpool, with the former Bournemouth manager replacing Arne Slot following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

Iraola initially struggled to produce consistent results at Anfield, with Liverpool failing to win any of their opening three home Premier League fixtures. A particularly disappointing 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on 11th October raised further questions about Liverpool’s ability to compete with the strongest sides in the division.

However, four consecutive victories across all competitions have provided evidence that his methods are beginning to take effect.

Sunday’s victory over Brighton was particularly encouraging given the visitors’ impressive early-season form. Fabian Hürzeler’s side arrived at Anfield sitting third in the Premier League, having won four consecutive league matches.

Liverpool produced an aggressive opening period, pressing Brighton into mistakes and taking advantage of their opportunities in transition. Florian Wirtz helped create the opening goal when his shot deflected off Pascal Groß, before Barcola combined with Isak to double the lead just four minutes later.

The performances of Wirtz, Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Isak suggest that Liverpool’s new-look attack is beginning to develop an understanding, particularly when winning possession in advanced positions.

Iraola was particularly pleased with his side’s attacking intensity following the victory, highlighting the importance of winning individual battles and creating opportunities for his forwards.

Liverpool also recorded an important clean sheet, although Brighton enjoyed more possession and created opportunities of their own. The Reds will need to build on that defensive performance if they are to challenge consistently at the top of the table.

Can Liverpool Catch Arsenal and Manchester City?

Despite their recent improvement, Liverpool still have considerable ground to make up in the Premier League title race.

Manchester City currently lead the standings on goal difference, with Pep Guardiola’s side collecting 21 points from their opening eight matches. Arsenal have an identical record of seven victories and one defeat, while Liverpool sit fourth with 15 points.

The Reds have lost just once in their opening eight league fixtures, but three draws have prevented them from keeping pace with their title rivals.

Liverpool have also scored just 11 Premier League goals compared with Manchester City’s 20, highlighting the importance of maintaining Isak’s outstanding form while encouraging greater contributions from the rest of the attacking line.

Wirtz and Barcola have shown encouraging signs in recent matches, while Gakpo provides further versatility across the forward positions. Developing consistency throughout the attacking unit will be essential if Liverpool are to maintain a sustained challenge.

There are also defensive questions to address. Liverpool have conceded eight league goals, compared with just five for Arsenal, and their heavy defeat against Manchester City demonstrated the difficulties they can encounter against elite opposition.

However, with 30 league matches remaining, the six-point deficit is far from insurmountable. Liverpool’s recent improvement has given supporters reason to believe that their side could yet become involved in the title race.

Liverpool v Arsenal Could Be a Defining Early-Season Encounter

Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture presents an immediate opportunity to demonstrate how much progress they have made.

Reigning champions Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday 1st November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm, in a fixture that could have significant implications for both clubs’ ambitions.

Mikel Arteta’s side have started their title defence impressively, winning seven of their opening eight Premier League matches. Their latest victory came against Everton, with the Gunners maintaining the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the standings.

For Liverpool, a victory would reduce the gap to Arsenal to just three points and provide another important statement following their improved recent performances. Defeat, however, would leave Iraola’s side nine points behind the London club after just nine league matches.

Much of the attention will naturally turn towards Isak, who will face one of the division’s strongest defensive units. Arsenal have conceded just five league goals this season, making the contest an important examination of Liverpool’s improved attacking partnership.

The atmosphere at Anfield will also be important, with Liverpool looking to build on their first home Premier League victory of the season. Supporters can secure their place for Sunday’s clash with official Liverpool v Arsenal hospitality packages available through Eventmasters.

What Comes Next for Liverpool?

Before their crucial meeting with Arsenal, Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday 28th October for a Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter.

The fixture provides another opportunity for Iraola’s side to maintain their winning momentum, although the Liverpool manager must also consider the importance of Sunday’s Premier League meeting.

Following Arsenal’s visit, Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday 8th November before the November international break interrupts the domestic season.

Their first Premier League fixture after the break is another major occasion, with Manchester United visiting Anfield on Sunday 22nd November.

These upcoming matches should offer a much clearer indication of Liverpool’s prospects for the remainder of the campaign. Isak’s goals have already played an important role in their recovery, but sustained success will depend on consistency throughout the squad.

Liverpool are not yet among the leading favourites based on their league position, but with their record signing producing the performances expected of him and Iraola beginning to establish his playing style, the Reds have reasons for renewed optimism.

Liverpool and Alexander Isak FAQs

How many Premier League goals has Alexander Isak scored in 2026/27?

Alexander Isak has scored six goals in seven Premier League appearances for Liverpool during the 2026/27 season as of 27th October 2026. The Swedish striker scored his latest goal during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield.

Where are Liverpool in the Premier League table?

Liverpool currently sit fourth in the 2026/27 Premier League table with 15 points from eight matches. They are six points behind joint-leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, who have both collected 21 points.

Who is Liverpool’s manager?

Andoni Iraola is Liverpool’s current head coach, having joined the club during the summer of 2026 following his spell in charge of Bournemouth. The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot and has overseen Liverpool’s recent improvement in form.

When do Liverpool play Arsenal?

Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday 1st November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm GMT. The fixture could prove particularly important in the early stages of the Premier League title race.

Who do Liverpool play after Arsenal?

Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday 8th November before the international break. They then welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday 22nd November 2026.