Alexander Isak struck twice inside the opening nine minutes as Liverpool finally claimed their first Premier League victory under Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
After two frustrating 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, Liverpool travelled to Suffolk knowing that anything less than three points would increase the pressure on their new manager.
They responded in exactly the way Iraola would have wanted.
Fast. Direct. Ruthless.
And at the centre of it all was Alexander Isak.
Isak strikes twice in nine minutes
Liverpool didn’t give Ipswich any time to settle.
The Reds attacked with purpose from the opening whistle and took the lead after just six minutes.
Cody Gakpo was heavily involved, creating the opening for Isak, who made no mistake with a clinical finish to put Liverpool 1-0 ahead.
Before Ipswich had even recovered, Liverpool had struck again.
Just three minutes later, Gakpo once again provided the ammunition and Isak produced another composed finish to double the advantage.
Two goals.
Two Gakpo assists.
Nine minutes on the clock.
Liverpool had completely blown Ipswich away.
For Isak, it was a hugely encouraging night. After an injury-hit first season at Anfield, the Swedish striker looked sharp, confident and clinical — exactly what Liverpool supporters had been hoping to see.
Liverpool take control
At 2-0 down, Ipswich were forced to respond and Gary O’Neil’s side gradually found their way into the game.
Liverpool weren’t quite as dominant as they had been during the opening spell, but they remained in control and continued to look dangerous whenever they moved the ball quickly through midfield.
Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister helped Liverpool maintain control, while Gakpo continued to cause problems on the left.
Isak even appeared to have completed his hat-trick before the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Reds went into half-time two goals to the good.
Ipswich fight back but Liverpool hold firm
The second half was a different contest.
Ipswich showed considerably more attacking intent and Liverpool were forced to defend for longer periods.
But this was an important test for Iraola’s side.
Rather than allowing the game to become frantic, Liverpool managed to see it out.
There were moments when Ipswich threatened, but the Reds’ defence stood firm and Ronald Araújo, making his first Liverpool start, produced an encouraging performance at right-back.
Liverpool also had a penalty shout checked by VAR after Dominik Szoboszlai went down inside the area, but the decision was overturned after an offside in the build-up.
The important thing was that Liverpool remained disciplined.
Barcola makes his Liverpool debut
There was another moment Liverpool supporters had been waiting for when Bradley Barcola was introduced from the bench.
The £123 million signing immediately showed flashes of the pace and directness that Liverpool have added to their attack.
His first few touches brought a roar from the travelling supporters and, although he couldn’t add to the scoreline, his arrival offered another glimpse of just how dangerous Liverpool’s attacking options could become.
With Isak, Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola and the other attacking talent now available to Iraola, there is certainly plenty for Liverpool fans to be excited about.
A statement win for Iraola
The final whistle brought a huge sense of relief.
Liverpool had finally got their first Premier League victory of the Iraola era.
It wasn’t a spectacular second-half performance, but it didn’t need to be.
The damage had already been done.
Two goals in nine minutes.
A clean sheet.
Three points.
And, perhaps most importantly, a performance that showed Liverpool can be ruthless when they start games with real intensity.
Isak was the obvious match-winner, but Gakpo deserves enormous credit for creating both goals and producing an excellent attacking performance.
For Iraola, this was exactly the result he needed.
Liverpool now move onto five points from their opening three Premier League matches, and suddenly those two opening draws don’t look quite as frustrating.
There is still plenty of work to do.
But tonight, Liverpool supporters can finally look at their new manager and say:
That’s more like it.
And if Alexander Isak is finally finding his feet at Anfield, Liverpool may have just found one of the most important pieces of their season.
Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool
Isak 6’, 9’
Liverpool’s first Premier League win under Andoni Iraola.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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