Reaction'Really happy' - Alexander Isak on scoring again, Palace win and attacking last games
Liverpool No.9 Alexander Isak expressed his pleasure at grabbing his first goal since returning from injury.
The Sweden international was named in the starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Anfield, which the Reds won 3-1.
It was Isak’s fifth appearance since completing his recovery from a lay-off following an ankle injury and fibula fracture in December that required surgery.
He marked it by opening the scoring in opportunistic fashion, controlling an Alexis Mac Allister shot and bouncing a finish past the goalkeeper.
Andy Robertson quickly made it 2-0 and though the game remained in the balance when Daniel Munoz later scored for Palace, a Florian Wirtz strike in added time sealed the points.
Liverpool climbed to fourth place in the table in the process and now have an eight-point cushion in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Read Isak’s verdict on the match when speaking to Liverpoolfc.com below…
On Liverpool having to ‘dig deep’ for the victory…
Yeah, of course, Crystal Palace are a good competitor and never an easy game. I think we played well in big parts of the game and maybe it shouldn’t have had to be that nervy at the end. We played well and really good from the lads as well to manage to get the third.
On the need to be patient to create chances against Palace…
For sure. Crystal Palace are one of the most difficult teams to score against and create chances. I think we showed we’ve got the quality – we’ve just got to keep this form.
On his goal and reacting to the shot from Mac Allister…
I felt like that shot was not going in so I kind of intercepted it and it became a good touch. Then I managed to put it into the back of the net.
On the feeling of being back on the scoresheet for the first time since his return to fitness…
For sure. I’ve been battling getting back to full fitness and obviously scoring a goal is probably the best way to finding your form again. Obviously I’m really happy.
On the Player of the Match performance by goalkeeper Freddie Woodman…
I think he did absolutely brilliantly. It’s never easy to come in, especially in a position like him where you have to be ready but it’s not often you get the chance. It’s really big from him to be able to put on a performance like this. I think he deserved a clean sheet. But a really big performance from him.
On the win being a ‘big moment’ in the race for Champions League qualification…
Yeah, for sure. It’s still obviously really tight in the table and anything can happen but I think we’ve put ourselves in a good position to attack these last couple of games.