Now that’s more like it.
Liverpool lead Ipswich 2-0 at half-time at Portman Road, and Alexander Isak has provided exactly the kind of performance the Reds desperately needed.
The £125 million striker has scored twice inside the opening nine minutes, putting Liverpool firmly in control after an explosive start.
And there is another player who deserves huge credit.
Cody Gakpo assisted both goals.
Isak has arrived
This is the Alexander Isak Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see.
After a frustrating opening two league games, Isak has come flying out of the blocks tonight.
Two goals.
Nine minutes.
And suddenly the confidence is back.
His first two goals came from excellent Liverpool attacking play, with Gakpo involved in both.
This is exactly why Liverpool spent so heavily to bring Isak to Anfield.
Give him the service and let him attack the box.
He can be devastating.
Gakpo has been outstanding
I said before the game that I didn’t want Liverpool to sell Cody Gakpo.
Tonight is another reminder why.
Two assists.
Gakpo has been directly involved in both of Isak’s goals and has looked dangerous from the start.
Liverpool need players who can create opportunities for their £125m striker.
Gakpo is doing exactly that.
And if this continues, the partnership between Gakpo and Isak could become hugely important for Iraola.
Liverpool finally started quickly
This is another major positive.
Liverpool had failed to lead at any point during their opening two Premier League games.
Tonight, they were 2-0 up inside nine minutes.
That’s the response Iraola would have wanted.
There has been greater intensity, quicker attacking play and much more threat in the final third.
Ipswich simply couldn’t cope with Liverpool’s start.
But don’t switch off
Despite the fantastic opening, Liverpool still have another 45 minutes to play.
Ipswich have shown flashes of threat and will know that scoring the next goal could completely change the atmosphere inside Portman Road.
Liverpool need to stay professional.
Don’t give Ipswich a way back into the game.
Don’t become complacent.
And, most importantly, don’t start defending too deep.
Araújo making his mark
Ronald Araújo’s first Liverpool start has also been interesting.
The decision to bring him into the team at right-back was one of the biggest talking points before kick-off.
His defensive qualities give Liverpool a different balance to Frimpong.
With Liverpool already two goals ahead, Araújo’s ability to defend could become even more important in the second half.
And then there’s Barcola…
Let’s not forget about him.
Bradley Barcola is sitting on the Liverpool bench.
Imagine being Ipswich right now.
You’ve conceded twice in the first nine minutes.
You’ve somehow managed to survive the rest of the half without conceding again.
And then Liverpool can potentially bring on a £123m French winger in the second half.
That is some weapon to have waiting.
I wouldn’t rush him onto the pitch if Liverpool are comfortable.
But if Ipswich start pushing forward and spaces open up?
Barcola could have a field day.
Liverpool need to finish the job
This is the best Liverpool have looked in the opening three games.
The scoreline reflects the start they’ve made.
But the job isn’t finished.
I want Liverpool to come out for the second half with the same mentality.
Keep attacking.
Keep creating.
Get Isak involved.
And if the opportunity arrives, go looking for a third.
Because a clean sheet and three points would be the perfect response to those two opening draws.
Is this the Isak we’ve been waiting for?
Maybe.
One half doesn’t suddenly erase everything that happened before it.
But two goals inside nine minutes is a pretty good way to announce yourself.
And if Isak continues like this, Liverpool supporters could have a lot to get excited about this season.
Isak is firing.
Gakpo is creating.
Liverpool are 2-0 up.
Now let’s finish the job.
Come on Liverpool!
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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