Arne Slot, Alexander Isak speak after Liverpool star scores in much-needed win at West Ham

Nothing is coming easy for Arne Slot and Liverpool right now, so perhaps it's fitting that the Reds' win over West Ham on Sunday was a bit laborious before the breakthrough.

The Reds looked snake bit in front of goal during the first half in London, and perhaps that allowed West Ham's confidence to grow into the second frame.

MORE — West Ham vs Liverpool recap, video highlights

But Alexander Isak finished off a fine team move begun by Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo, a fine shot putting the Reds in front around the hour mark.

Liverpool, however, could not find the second goal until stoppage time when Gakpo finally provided some comfort in the result. Any win, however, is bound to provide relief.

Arne Slot reaction — Liverpool manager speaks after scrap at West Ham United

A relief for you? "To a certain extent, definitely a relief. If we've lost so many times, then getting a result is important if you keep a clean sheet you have a chance at a win. And we scored two so we had a win."

What was the difference? "We hardly conceded a chance. The one chance they had didn't go in, and that chance was just before the final whistle. In the meantime we were able to created chances as we've done throughout. In other games, we gave away much more than we did today."

"It helps if you don't go 1-nil down after five minutes because then you have to change the game. The only moment where I thought my team had a bad run of results when they went down to 10 men because they threw themselves in front of crosses. Normally when you're in better form and the other team goes down to 10, you have a bit easier time."

Muted celebrations of second goal? "Maybe they had to put a lot of effort in. What I did see was it meant a lot to our players and it meant a lot to our fans who had to travel a long way. They were there from start to finish."

Isak goal can be a jumping-off point? "I think it does. He was alreaady twice or maybe three times close to scoring his first today. I don't think I was planning to give him many more minutes because I saw him standing with his hands on his knees one or two times before that, but I think it was important."

Now what? "It's a first step but we know on Wednesday we face Sunderland again who are a very strong time. At least we won the game and had a clean sheet. That's the way to move forward but no guarantees for Wednesday I hope."

Alexander Isak reaction

On the win: "We knew it was going to be difficult to get back to winning ways after our recent ways. Of course tough game. Happy that we win first of all and happy to be on the score sheet."

"When you're going through tough times as a team it's about fighting your way through to a victory. It wasn't always beautiful but we knew we had to get a goal and then defend our goals with all of our lives."

Is the goal a relief? "Of course. I'm aware that it's been a long time coming. I'm trying to get back to my best form and still on the way but happy to have that goal."

Can this goal get you up and running? "It's a mix of course. The best feeling today is that we win the game. That's the best way to get the spirit. But of course I'm a striker so scoring goals will always help me.

Now a big week with two more PL matches: "We have to use this win in a good way but also be humble because we've had tough times. One win doesn't necessarily mean that we're back. We have to stay focused and keep working hard."