Five Talking Points: Wirtz and Isak Light Up London as Liverpool Roar Back to Life

Liverpool didn’t just win a football match at the London Stadium — they reminded the Premier League that they are far from finished. After weeks of misery, misfires, and meltdowns, Arne Slot’s men delivered the kind of performance that can turn an entire season.
And at the heart of it? Two players who looked like they’d been carved out of pure, world-class arrogance.

Here are the five big talking points from a night where Liverpool finally remembered who they are.

1. Florian Wirtz – Europe’s New Puppet Master?

Let’s not dance around it: this was a monster performance from Florian Wirtz. The £116m German was everywhere — weaving, drifting, dictating — turning West Ham’s midfield into a training cone obstacle course.

This wasn’t just his best Liverpool display.
It was a “this lad is going to dominate Europe for a decade” alarm bell ringing across the continent.

Every touch oozed class.
Every pass split lines.
Every movement pulled West Ham apart like an IKEA flat-pack with no screws.

If this is what Wirtz looks like when confident, the Premier League should be terrified.

2. Alexander Isak Has Finally Arrived — and Arrived Like a Superstar

Six goals in seven against West Ham is one thing.
But the half-volley? That was a statement.

For the first time since his £125m arrival, Isak looked like the player Newcastle fans still cry about losing — slick, sharp, ruthless. The finish was a blend of elegance and power, the kind that screams elite No. 9.

Let’s not be shy:

On this form, there isn’t a better striker in Europe.
Not one you would swap him for tonight.

Isak didn’t just score; he led the line with swagger.
This felt like the birth of a star in red.

3. Slot’s Bold Call: Dropping Salah Paid Off

Fair play to Arne Slot — this took guts.

Leaving Mohamed Salah out of a Premier League starting XI for the first time since April 2024 could have exploded in his face. Instead, it freed the entire attacking structure.

Szoboszlai wide right.
Gakpo left.
Isak central.
Wirtz floating where he pleased.

It finally made sense.
It finally clicked.

Liverpool looked like they’d had the weight of the world lifted off their shoulders.

4. Joe Gomez: The Unsung Hero of the Rebuild

Lost in the chaos of recent weeks is the fact Liverpool haven’t had a functioning right-back. Slot trusted Joe Gomez on his first league start in almost a year — and the lad delivered.

No drama.
No madness.
Just pure defensive reliability.

He freed Szoboszlai to attack, tightened the defensive line, and brought calm where there has recently only been panic.

It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t loud.
But sometimes the foundation is more important than the fireworks.

5. The Title Race Whisper… Is Back

Let’s not pretend Liverpool are favourites — they’re not.
Let’s not pretend this erases the last month — it doesn’t.

But nine points is nothing in this league.
Momentum? Everything.
Belief? Priceless.

And for the first time since early autumn, Liverpool showed signs of a team that could actually string together a run.

If Wirtz is going to start playing like the best No. 10 in Europe,
and Isak is going to start finishing like the best No. 9 in Europe,
then whisper it quietly…

Liverpool aren’t out of this title race just yet.