Liverpool, Alexander Isak and a six-second glimpse of a £300m future cut short

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It took less than six seconds for Liverpool’s £300m trio to rip through Tottenham’s 10 men after Cristian Romero’s careless pass from defence. Isak was helped off after scoring Liverpool’s opening goal at Tottenham (AFP via Getty Images)Ekitike’s towering header to double Liverpool’s lead suggested the champions still have a goalscorer.

The Frenchman’s fifth goal in three Premier League games ended up being decisive for Arne Slot’s side as they held on against the nine-man hosts, reduced in number first by Xavi Simons’s first-half red card, rallied by Richarlison’s late finish, but reduced further by Romero’s even later red for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate. The reason Isak was called upon at half-time came down to Liverpool needing to exert more authority on a game that was passing them by until Simons’ straight-red card for catching Liverpool captain, and Simons’ Netherlands international team-mate, Virgil van Dijk.

Isak’s header was needed after Tottenham were reduced to nine players but rallied late on (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)And for Slot, that includes Isak as well. How Liverpool ended up needing his goal on 66 minutes after Richarlison, improbably, pulled one back for Spurs with his latest goal against Liverpool.