‘Not best perfomance’ as Isak opens account

ALEXANDER Isak scored his first Liverpool goal to inspire a 2-1 win against Southampton in the League Cup third round, while Chelsea survived a scare to beat third-tier Lincoln on Tuesday.

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LIVERPOOL striker Alexander Isak (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English League Cup third round against Southampton. | AFP

(AFP)

Isak was making his third appearance for Liverpool since his British record £125 million move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old had drawn a blank in his 58-minute debut appearance against Atletico Madrid and also failed to net after coming off the bench for the last 23 minutes of Saturday's Merseyside derby win over Everton.

But Isak got off the mark in the 43rd minute as Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy tried a short pass that was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who picked out the Sweden striker to fire home.

It was a belated birthday present for Isak, who turned 26 on Sunday.

Isak, who had scored for Newcastle in their League Cup final win against Liverpool last season, was taken off at halftime as he builds up his fitness after missing preseason training while his transfer was being negotiated.