Alexander Isak's current form is a significant concern for Liverpool as the club navigates the early weeks of the Premier League season. Manager Andoni Iraola faces pressure due to a lack of viable alternatives should Isak fail to find his scoring touch.
Isak, who arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2025, has shown hesitancy and doubt on the field, a stark contrast to his previous confidence. This lack of certainty was evident when Liverpool was awarded a penalty in the 96th minute of their recent match against Newcastle; Isak did not take the kick. While he remained on the field, he offered little offensively in the latter stages of the game, leaving Iraola with limited options.
Last summer saw a wave of new No. 9s join prominent clubs, including Isak to Liverpool, Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Liam Delap to Chelsea, and Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal. While none have had an easy transition, Isak is one of the few who started for his team. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea possess alternative attacking options, allowing them to utilize their new strikers as impact players. Liverpool, however, does not have this luxury.
While Cody Gakpo could potentially play through the middle and Florian Wirtz could operate as a false nine, neither is considered a convincing direct replacement for a traditional center forward. Liverpool's prospects appear to hinge on Isak performing like a top-tier striker. The atmosphere at St. James' Park, where he once scored 54 league goals for Newcastle, added to the challenge.
Liverpool's upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest at Anfield presents a potentially more straightforward opportunity for Isak to regain form. However, the current perception is that Isak lacks trust in his own body and mind, a situation that requires immediate improvement, as the luxury of a gradual return to form is no longer an option for Iraola.
In other footballing news, Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle drew criticism for blaming the referee after his team conceded a late penalty. The decision stemmed from contact by Lewis Hall on Liverpool substitute Victor Munoz, which was deemed clear. Jaissle's decision to make a late substitution, intended to waste time, ironically led to the added time during which the foul occurred.
The punditry landscape also saw shifts, with Mark Chapman hosting Match of the Day after covering a Sky Sports game, potentially impacting the BBC show's identity. David Ornstein's presence as a TNT pundit was seen as an attempt to leverage his social media influence. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney's comfort level in the Match of the Day chair continues to be a talking point, with Joe Hart and Danny Murphy offering a more compelling punditry duo on another occasion.
Michael Carrick faces increased responsibility as Manchester United manager following a disappointing performance. After what was effectively a free hit last season, his current team's results are now squarely his responsibility. Carrick's assertion that his team lacked passion was met with a firm rebuttal, highlighting the intense scrutiny he faces from an impatient fanbase.
Harry Maguire, identified by Carrick as a source of comfort in the team's spine, appeared unprepared for the start of the season, with his defensive lapses on set pieces noted. The struggles of promoted clubs like Hull and Ipswich, who have invested heavily in their squads, are also being observed. Tottenham's significant spending under Roberto de Zerbi, including a reported £75 million deal for winger Savinho, is facing early scrutiny after a heavy defeat.
Arsenal's squad depth allows manager Mikel Arteta to make tough decisions, such as moving on Gabriel Martinelli, who has not featured in recent matches. This mirrors Arteta's past approach of transferring players who have served their purpose, a strategy that has ultimately benefited the club.
England assistant manager Anthony Barry observed Everton's win over Crystal Palace, noting promising performances from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Adam Wharton. He also would have taken note of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite's display, with his development crucial for England's defensive options.
Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner made unusual comments about his team's playing style, referencing Real Madrid in the 1970s, a period when Forest itself achieved significant European success. The article also touches on the lack of notable VAR incidents over the weekend and the ongoing issue of player behavior at set pieces, describing it as akin to "kids in a playground."