Football is a game of moments. Sometimes those moments are glorious, sometimes they are painful, and sometimes they are strange enough to leave fans shaking their heads in disbelief. Liverpool supporters experienced one of those strange moments only a few days ago when Hugo Ékitiké was sent off in the Carabao Cup for one of the most bizarre red cards you will ever see. He scored the winning goal against Southampton, ripped off his shirt in joy, and was immediately shown a second yellow card which turned into a red. He walked off the pitch embarrassed, and Liverpool had to finish the game with ten men.
Now the consequences of that decision are beginning to unfold. Liverpool are preparing for a tricky Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, and Ékitiké will not be available because of his suspension. For manager Arne Slot, this has opened the door to another story, another twist, another battle. Because when one striker falls, another rises. And for Liverpool, the man set to take that role is none other than Alexander Isak.
This match against Crystal Palace is not just about three points. It is about seeing how Liverpool adjust without the player who was supposed to be their new hero. It is about testing the depth of the squad. It is about watching Arne Slot make tough choices. And most of all, it is about seeing whether Isak, the Swedish forward who has already shown flashes of brilliance since arriving, can step up and make the difference in Ékitiké’s absence.
When Ékitiké scored against Southampton, he thought it was his moment of glory. The crowd sang, Anfield roared, his teammates rushed to celebrate. But then everything changed in the blink of an eye. The referee followed the rulebook strictly. A yellow card for taking off his shirt was shown. But because Ékitiké had already been booked earlier in the game for dissent, that yellow turned into red.
The dismissal left many Liverpool fans furious. Some blamed the referee, others blamed Ékitiké himself for not controlling his emotions. Arne Slot was visibly angry after the game, calling the action “needless and stupid.” Yet at the same time, the manager also knew that Ékitiké’s passion came from his desire to impress, to prove himself, to give Liverpool the victory.
Still, rules are rules. And now Liverpool must play without him. The FA confirmed that he will serve his suspension and miss the clash against Crystal Palace. It is a painful blow, especially because this game comes at a time when Liverpool are trying to build momentum in the league.
But football always offers a second chance, and this time it belongs to Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, signed in a high-profile move, has been waiting for his opportunity to cement himself as Liverpool’s first-choice forward. He has the size, the skills, and the mentality to succeed. But he also knows that every minute he plays at Anfield will be judged closely by fans and critics alike.
Isak is different from Ékitiké. Where the Frenchman is emotional, fiery, and unpredictable, Isak is calm, calculated, and elegant. He moves like a chess master, always planning his next step. His style of play is built on intelligence, timing, and precision. He is tall, strong in the air, but also graceful with the ball at his feet. In many ways, he is the perfect striker for Arne Slot’s system.
And now, with Ékitiké suspended, Isak will have the chance to lead Liverpool’s attack against Crystal Palace.
This is not going to be an easy test. Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner have become one of the trickiest sides to face in the Premier League. They are organized, physical, and dangerous on the counter. At Selhurst Park, they play with energy and confidence. Liverpool know this well because in the past, Palace have caused them plenty of problems.
The Palace fans are loud, their players never stop running, and they thrive on punishing mistakes. Without Ékitiké, Liverpool’s attacking rhythm may change, and Palace will be ready to exploit any weakness. That is why Isak’s performance becomes so important.
If he can hold up the ball, bring others into play, and take his chances when they come, Liverpool will have the upper hand. But if he struggles, Palace will grow in belief, and the game could become a nightmare.
For Arne Slot, this is one of those moments that define a season. Managers are judged not only by tactics but also by how they handle adversity. Losing Ékitiké is a blow, but Slot has a squad full of talent. He must now decide how to balance the team.
Does he go with Isak as the lone striker, supported by Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz on the wings? Or does he tweak the system, perhaps playing with two strikers or giving youngsters a chance?
Slot has shown already that he is not afraid of making bold decisions. Against Southampton, he trusted Ékitiké and was rewarded with a goal, even if it ended badly. Now he must put the same faith in Isak.
Liverpool are expected to line up strongly despite Ékitiké’s absence. Alisson will be in goal, protected by a defense that could include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Andrew Robertson if fit. In midfield, the options are plenty—Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones are likely starters, with Wataru Endō or Ryan Gravenberch also pushing for inclusion.
Up front, Salah is undroppable. Díaz is in good form. And then comes Isak, who is set to take Ékitiké’s place as the central striker. It is a lineup strong enough to win, but it will need to be disciplined, focused, and ruthless in front of goal.
This game is not just about Palace vs Liverpool. It is also about the brewing competition between Isak and Ékitiké. Both strikers want to be the main man. Both believe they have what it takes. But football only allows one to lead the line at a time.
Ékitiké had his chance and showed his passion, but his red card reminded everyone that he still has lessons to learn. Isak now has his chance to show that he can be the reliable, steady presence Liverpool need.
If he scores and performs well against Palace, the debate will begin: who should start when both are available? It is the kind of dilemma every manager wants—two quality strikers fighting for the same spot. But it is also the kind of situation that can shape a season.
Liverpool are aiming for the title this season. They cannot afford to drop points, especially against teams like Palace. Every decision, every goal, every mistake matters. That is why this game is about more than just Ékitiké’s suspension. It is about testing the strength of the squad, the depth of the attack, and the ability of new players to rise when needed.
For Isak, it is about writing his story. He has already shown at Newcastle and with Sweden that he can be world-class. Now he must prove it at Anfield, on the biggest stage, wearing the red shirt that demands greatness.
Football never stops throwing up stories. One week, Hugo Ékitiké is the hero and villain in the same game. The next week, Alexander Isak gets his chance to shine. That is the beauty of the sport—it never pauses, it never forgives, it always moves forward.
When Liverpool step out against Crystal Palace, the eyes of the fans will be on one man. Isak will carry the responsibility, the pressure, and the hope of a club that dreams of another Premier League title. Ékitiké will watch from the sidelines, learning his lesson, waiting for his next opportunity.
And maybe, just maybe, this is how great rivalries are born. Because in the end, Liverpool may not just be battling Crystal Palace. They may be watching the start of a duel that could define their future: Isak vs Ékitiké, calmness vs emotion, steadiness vs fire.
Only time will tell who wins. But for now, the shirt belongs to Alexander Isak. And the stage is set for him to show the world why Liverpool signed him.
