Analysis: Isak off the mark as Liverpool leave it late again

Liverpool are already developing a habit of leaving things late this season and once again a late winner was needed to get over the line.

Hugo Ekitike's productive start to the season - three goals in Liverpool's five straight Premier League wins - has left Arne Slot with a conundrum over which striker to favour, but Alexander Isak got the nod to start on Wednesday as he settles into his new side.

This was just his second start for Liverpool with his debut coming last week in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.

Aside from forcing Alex McCarthy into a good save in the opening minute of the match, Isak was kept quiet until he efficiently took his chance for the goal.

But that was to be the last match action of the evening for Isak as he was replaced by Ekitike at half-time and, instead of heading down the tunnel for the team talk, stayed on the pitch to do sprinting drills.

The forward will have perhaps watched with slight concern as Ekitike once again stepped up to score the winner, but the sending-off means Isak will surely get another opportunity to impress at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Chiesa was a bright spark for the hosts in an otherwise abject evening.

He set up both goals and put the ball in the back of the net himself after some clever passing between Ekitike and Endo inside the penalty box, but it was chalked off for offside.