Liverpool got itself an early 2-0 lead against Ipswich thanks to Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo's brilliant combinations, with Andoni Iraola's side then seeing the result out
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
This was perhaps the night when Alexander Isak’s Liverpool career ignited. Andoni Iraola will certainly hope so.
For the first time since he arrived at Anfield in a British-record transfer move, the Swede was able to put every element together that convinced Liverpool to sign him. Isak scored twice, in typical style, and linked the play brilliantly, with his early strikes putting the Reds in the driving seat.
Like the team, he tailed off in the second half, but his work was complete. By that stage, the points were heading back to Anfield, and it was job done — a very different game-state than Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Do this frequently, and Liverpool, clearly, will go far. It is undoubtedly true that Liverpool's success this season largely hinges on Isak's ability to produce games like this regularly.
Right on time, after a transfer window that has left plenty with legitimate concerns, this was Liverpool’s best attacking performance for some time. It wasn't just Isak, of course, but he certainly helped.
Teeing up the former Newcastle man, Cody Gakpo was sensational for 45 minutes, instantly proving why him staying was always the right call.
The first assist was a sensational pass. The second was even better, with the outside of his boot.
Alexanander Isak celebrates with Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo after scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.
Alexanander Isak celebrates with Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo after scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.(Image: Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty Images)
It was no shock, too, given those around him were much improved, that Florian Wirtz looked significantly better, with more quality and options close by. Victor Munoz, though he is still raw, was often electric.
And, of course, helped by Ronald Araujo replacing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez — a couple of wild moments aside — staying behind the ball, Liverpool was relatively stable defensively as well.
Araujo has played right-back before, of course, but he is normally a center-back. Iraola trusted him enough to throw him into a game like this one — and was instantly proven right.
Even Bradley Barcola, when he was introduced to a backdrop of Liverpool fans singing his name, showed a few glimpses.
"In a counter, a couple of times we didn't find him, so we will have to learn these kinds of movements because he will be in behind, threatening all the time," Iraola said.
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Of course, there is much more to come. Signed for a combined $492 million (£364 million), when Barcola, Isak, and Wirtz are all on the field together, they will become the first trio of £100M-plus players to be on the same side at the same time.
But Barcola adding to an already firing attack can only be a good thing. He is no $166 million (£123 million) savior, but rather an exciting additional piece of the puzzle.
To urge some caution, this was A) a relatively limited Ipswich side and B) a team that left plenty of spaces to run into, which won't always be the case.
But Liverpool showed the first glimpse of Andoni Iraola and Richard Hughes’ masterplan. Poetry in Motion, sang the traveling fans. Now, their team must prove that such a set-up can work every week.