Liverpool finally found their spark under new manager Andoni Iraola as Alexander Isak’s lightning-fast double powered the Reds to a convincing 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday night.
The Swedish striker needed just nine minutes to put the contest firmly in Liverpool’s hands, scoring twice in the opening stages and delivering a ruthless reminder of why Liverpool invested heavily in his goalscoring ability. Both goals were created by Cody Gakpo, who produced two decisive assists as Liverpool turned a frantic opening into a night of controlled dominance.
The result gave Iraola his first competitive victory as Liverpool manager and lifted the Reds to five points from their opening three Premier League matches. Ipswich, meanwhile, were left to rue a disastrous opening spell that effectively decided the contest before they had properly settled into the game.
Liverpool came flying out of the blocks at Portman Road, immediately putting Ipswich under pressure with their aggressive movement and quick passing. The visitors did not allow the hosts time to breathe, and the reward arrived in the sixth minute.
Gakpo found space in the attacking area before supplying Isak, who kept his composure to finish clinically and send Liverpool into an early lead.
Ipswich 0-1 Liverpool — 6 minutes: Alexander Isak, assist Cody Gakpo.
The goal was only the beginning.
Three minutes later, Liverpool struck again.
Gakpo once more played a central role, combining effectively with Isak before the Swedish forward finished the move to double the advantage. The speed of Liverpool’s attacking transition caught Ipswich flat-footed, with the Reds slicing through the home defence before Isak delivered the finishing touch.
Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool — 9 minutes: Alexander Isak, assist Cody Gakpo.
It was a breathtaking opening nine minutes, and Isak’s brace meant he had already scored three Premier League goals this season. For a forward who endured an injury-hit first campaign, the early signs are increasingly encouraging.
Liverpool’s attacking movement was particularly impressive in the opening half. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister all looked capable of adding to Ipswich’s misery, while the visitors repeatedly threatened whenever they accelerated the tempo.
Szoboszlai tested the Ipswich goalkeeper, Wirtz also forced a save, and Liverpool continued to look dangerous from set pieces and open play. Ipswich, however, gradually recovered from the early shock.
Julián Enciso attempted to provide an attacking response, while Darragh O’Brien and other Ipswich players began finding pockets of space. Yet Liverpool’s defensive structure remained firm, with Virgil van Dijk marshalling the back line and the visitors refusing to give their opponents a clear route back into the contest.
Liverpool even appeared capable of adding a third before half-time. Isak was involved in another promising attacking move, but a potential goal was eventually ruled out for offside. The Reds therefore went into the interval with their two-goal cushion intact.
The second half was a different kind of battle.
Rather than relentlessly chasing a third goal, Liverpool became more measured. Iraola’s side appeared comfortable allowing Ipswich to have stretches of possession before attempting to exploit the spaces left behind when the hosts pushed forward.
That approach produced several promising counter-attacking moments. Liverpool’s pace in transition remained one of their biggest weapons, with the movement of their forwards constantly forcing Ipswich’s defenders to retreat.
Ipswich did improve after the break and created a handful of opportunities. Anthony Fatawu tested the Liverpool defence, while Enciso continued to look lively around the penalty area. But the home side lacked the final pass and clinical finish required to turn their promising moments into goals.
Liverpool’s discipline ultimately proved decisive.
The visitors also introduced Bradley Barcola in the second half, giving the £107 million summer signing his Liverpool debut. His arrival added another layer of pace to an attack that already possessed plenty of ammunition.
As the minutes ticked away, Liverpool looked increasingly comfortable. Ipswich pushed forward, but every attacking surge was met by a Liverpool defence that stood its ground.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, their first Premier League win of the season and Iraola’s first victory since taking charge at Anfield.
The headline, however, belonged unmistakably to Isak.
Two goals in the first nine minutes, two assists for Gakpo and three Premier League goals already this season — the Swedish striker has started to look like the devastating No. 9 Liverpool hoped they had signed.
For Ipswich, the lesson was painful but clear: against a Liverpool side armed with Isak’s finishing and Gakpo’s creativity, a slow start can be fatal.
For the Reds, Portman Road may prove to be the night their new era finally gathered momentum.
Final Score: Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool
Goals: Alexander Isak 6′, 9′
Assists: Cody Gakpo 6′, 9
