Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Ipswich as Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo were among those to star for Andoni Iraola, who secured his first competitive victory
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.(Image: Henry Nicholls / AFP via Getty Images)
PORTMAN ROAD, IPSWICH // Andoni Iraola is off the mark at Liverpool after he secured his first three points in charge, while Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo excelled for the Reds.
Isak smashed home a superb shot after good work from Gakpo just six minutes in, and the duo repeated the trick before the clock had reached double figures, the second coming from a sensational pass with the outside of the Dutchman's right foot.
Isak was called offside when he thought for a second that he had a hat-trick, while Dominik Szoboszlai could have had a penalty were it not for an offside, but the scoreline remained the same.
Winners
Isak wasted no time getting on the scoresheet early on, and though Ipswich gave him far too many opportunities, this felt like lift-off for the Swede. Alongside Gakpo, it was electric, and Victor Munoz was lively again too.
When it clicks, this Liverpool team is going to be hugely exciting. The only question is whether this sort of level can be maintained. In the second half, the intensity dropped, but that was arguably because the Reds already had a lead to hold.
Losers
Ipswich's starting XI on paper looked attack-minded and bold. Had it worked, Gary O'Neil would have taken plenty of plaudits for such a move, but he was taking a big risk. Leaving that much space for Liverpool to exploit was a gamble, and his players simply made too many mistakes. Isak, Gakpo and co did well to make the most of them early on.
Player ratings
Alisson Becker (6). Having conceded twice in each of Liverpool's opening two fixtures, he was fortunate with a dropped cross midway through the first half. Ipswich didn't exactly throw many balls and shots in his direction.
Ronald Araujo (7). Coming in for Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, the Uruguayan looked like a center-back playing out of possession at times when he was on the ball. This was a clear improvement on what Liverpool has seen in recent games, though, and it is no bad thing that he is much more conservative. When Ipswich attacked, he became a third center-half.
Jeremy Jacquet (7). Having made a great start to life as a Liverpool player, he was in the right place at the right time on a number of occasions. Good on the ball and made a couple of good blocks when Ipswich got into decent positions. Booked for a mistimed duel.
Virgil van Dijk (7). Captaining the side, he was front-footed in his passing and helped lead the intensity. Clattered into a few times by Emersonn and others, but he was more than willing to get involved in the battle.
Milos Kerkez (6). Having come in for some criticism this week, the left-back put in a solid performance. He wasn't spectacular going forward (that was left to others) but he did a strong defensive job, which was required. More of this kind of thing would certainly settle a few nerves about him not being up to the task in the long-term, though he was cautioned for a ridiculous tackle.
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Dominik Szoboszlai (7). In midfield, not at full-back, as some suspected, he was shuttling across the center of the field, filling gaps and pressing opponents. Some of his passing was wayward, though certainly not as much as last week, but he was generally good in the middle.
Alexis Mac Allister (7). Given the start ahead of Ryan Gravenberch again, the Argentine was pretty good at covering the ground. Booked harshly in the first half, he was more often than not in the right place defensively, and looked much faster than he did for most of last term.
Victor Munoz (8). Operating down the right once more, the Spaniard was direct from the off. His pace is electric and he almost ran the length of the field with the ball at one stage early on. If this is what he looks like already, there should be plenty more to come. A really promising performance, even if, like the team, he dropped off a little in the second half.
Florian Wirtz* (7). *The Reds' number 10 needed a big performance to build on a good showing last weekend against Nottingham Forest, and he did look good. Some of his touches in small spaces are magical. His performance was elevated by those around him playing well, which was a big issue for most of last season.
Cody Gakpo (8). Still a Liverpool player after interest from Manchester City this summer, that feels hugely significant already. The Dutchman's assists for both of the first two goals were superb and he looked rejuvenated under Andoni Iraola. This was a real statement of intent in the first half, with another left winger, Bradley Barcola, watching on. Not quite as involved in the second period.
Alexander Isak (8). There is a lot of pressure on his shoulders to deliver over the coming months; if he does well, then Liverpool will, and vice versa. It was promising, then, that he was so good here. The goalkeeping was sometimes weak, but Isak took advantage. His link-up play was largely excellent as well.
Substitutes
Ryan Gravenberch (6). He had to get up to speed quickly in the center. Took a couple of chances in possession, but got away with it.
Bradley Barcola* (7). *Immediately looked sharp and full of vigor, playing just in front of the traveling Liverpool fans, who were loving seeing him up close. As you would expect, he has all the tools.
Trey Nyoni (6). Thrown on for more action, he was as calm in possession as ever. It can't be too long before he gets the chance to show what he can do from the start. Lewis Koumas also came on but too late to earn a rating.