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Alexander Isak has delivered a frank verdict on Liverpool's heartbreaking last-gasp defeat to Chelsea as the Reds endured their third consecutive loss. Arne Slot's side relinquished their position at the Premier League summit to Arsenal following Estevao's 95th-minute strike at Stamford Bridge.
The 2-1 reverse came on the back of consecutive defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, with Liverpool also shipping a stoppage-time winner during last weekend's visit to Selhurst Park.
Isak acknowledged that losing a match in such circumstances represents the most painful experience imaginable, and whilst he remains optimistic that the Reds can recover strongly following the international break, he accepted their performance against Chelsea fell short of expectations.
"I think we started off pretty bad," he said. "We worked our way into the game pretty well.
"I think we came out (for the) second half and really gave everything to get the result.
"In the end it's obviously tough conceding in the last minute like that.
"In the same way that winning like this is the best feeling, I think it's the worst to lose in this type of way.
"We created chances, enough to score, but it just wasn't enough today. We just have to keep working hard, bounce back and get back to winning ways.
"I think the belief is there that we can (bounce back). This team has shown many times.
"It's never easy of course but hard work and working on details and getting back to our best. We have that belief."
Isak was given his second Premier League start for Liverpool in the game against Chelsea, where he assisted Cody Gakpo's equalizer. This comes as he continues to regain his fitness after a disrupted pre-season with his former club, Newcastle United.
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The Swedish player acknowledges that he is not yet at peak performance but is optimistic about the rest of the season. He provided an update on his progress post-match.
"I feel good. I've been working hard to get back to my best," he shared with LFC TV after the game. "Still working to get back to my best form but it was good to play out there again today.
"I was hoping for a different result but we keep working. I'm very excited for the whole season ahead.
"Game by game we have to improve if we want to achieve the things we want to, but (I'm) really excited."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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