Alexander Isak delivered a clinical performance, scoring twice within the opening 10 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory for Liverpool against Ipswich at Portman Road. The result marks the first win for new manager Andoni Iraola, lifting the Reds to fifth in the Premier League table and maintaining an unbeaten start to his tenure.
Iraola’s opening two matches in charge—a pair of 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest—offered plenty of excitement but raised questions regarding the team’s defensive stability. This win provides a necessary boost, particularly as the club continues to integrate a high-profile squad following a challenging previous season that saw them finish fifth and part ways with Arne Slot.
Isak, whose £125 million ($169 million) transfer from Newcastle previously set a league record before being matched by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez, is finally finding his form. After a debut season hampered by fitness issues, the Swedish forward has now netted three goals in three appearances this campaign.
Cody Gakpo proved instrumental in the victory, providing the assists for both of Isak’s goals. Despite speculation that Gakpo might have moved to Manchester City this week had a replacement been secured, he remained at Anfield to help kickstart Liverpool’s season.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
- Opening Goal: Gakpo’s pass found Isak on the edge of the area, whose powerful strike was parried into the net by Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
- Second Goal: Moments later, Isak latched onto a through ball from Gakpo and slotted home at the near post with the goalkeeper out of position.
- Near Hat-trick: Isak nearly added a third goal by converting a cross from Florian Wirtz, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
- Goalkeeper Response: Kjell Scherpen kept the scoreline from widening before halftime with two significant saves against Dominik Szoboszlai.
- Tactical Changes: Bradley Barcola, the club’s latest £100 million signing, made his Premier League debut as a second-half substitute, replacing Isak after the hour mark.
While Liverpool’s attacking intensity dipped in the second half, Iraola will be satisfied with a clean sheet, a welcome change following recent defensive criticism. For Ipswich, the result serves as a harsh reality check. After a promising opening win against Sunderland, the Tractor Boys have struggled, following a 5-2 defeat at Manchester United with this latest setback against Liverpool. The report also notes that but 12 months on the Swede is finally beginning to deliver on his price t, isak’s Premier League record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle was matched this week by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez. The report also notes that but did little to ease doubts over their ability to challenge at the top end o, a pair of 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest did not lack in entertainment for the Basque coach’s opening two games in charge. The report also notes that cody Gakpo could have left Liverpool for Manchester City this week had the 20-time English champions been able to source a replacement.
