Alexander Isak netted two goals within the first 10 minutes to guide Liverpool to a 2-0 victory against Ipswich at Portman Road, securing the first win for new manager Andoni Iraola. The result lifts the Reds to fifth in the Premier League table and maintains an unbeaten start for the Basque coach, who previously oversaw two 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Isak, whose £125 million ($169 million) transfer from Newcastle set a league record—a figure recently matched by Manchester City’s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez—is finally finding his form. After a difficult debut season at Anfield hampered by fitness issues, the Swedish forward has now recorded three goals in three appearances this campaign.
Cody Gakpo, who remained at the club despite interest from Manchester City, proved instrumental by providing the assists for both of Isak’s goals. The first came when Gakpo found Isak on the edge of the area; while the shot was powerful, Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen failed to prevent it from crossing the line. Shortly after, Isak capitalized on a through ball from Gakpo, slotting home at the near post as the keeper was caught out of position.
Match Developments and Substitutions
- Near-miss: Isak nearly secured a hat-trick but saw a goal ruled out for offside after converting a cross from Florian Wirtz.
- Defensive stability: Goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen kept the scoreline from widening before halftime with two significant saves against Dominik Szoboszlai.
- Tactical change: New signing Bradley Barcola made his Premier League debut for Liverpool, entering the pitch just after the hour mark as a replacement for Isak.
- Defensive progress: Despite a quieter second half, Iraola expressed satisfaction with the clean sheet, addressing recent criticisms regarding his team’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Ipswich, who enjoyed a positive start to their top-flight return with a win over Sunderland, have faced a difficult reality check following a 5-2 defeat at Manchester United and this latest loss to Liverpool. For the Reds, the match also highlighted the ongoing integration of a high-profile squad that includes recent additions like the £100 million-rated Barcola, even as the club balances its heavy investment in attacking talent with needs in other areas of the pitch. The report also notes that but 12 months on the Swede is finally beginning to deliver on his price tag, isak’s Premier League record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle was matched this week by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez. The report also notes that but did little to ease doubts over their ability to challenge at the top end of the table this season, a pair of 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest did not lack in entertainment for the Basque coach’s opening two games in charge. The report also notes that a huge investment in Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike failed to pay off last year as Liverpool finished fifth in a disappointing season that cost Arne Slot his job just a year after winning the league. The report also notes that cody Gakpo could have left Liverpool for Manchester City this week had the 20-time English champions been able to source a replacement.