EPL: Isak scores twice as Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0

Alexander Isak needed only 10 minutes to make Liverpool’s expensive gamble look more promising. The Swedish striker scored twice early at Portman Road, giving new manager Andoni Iraola his first victory as Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0.

Isak’s record £125 million move from Newcastle had come under scrutiny after a difficult first season at Anfield, when fitness problems limited his impact. He now has three goals in three games this campaign, although Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen helped both goals reach the net.

Cody Gakpo created both openings. His pass found Isak on the edge of the area for the first goal, and Scherpen could only parry the powerful shot into the net. Soon afterward, Gakpo sent Isak through again, and the striker finished at the near post after the goalkeeper came off his line.

Isak nearly completed a hat-trick when he turned in Florian Wirtz’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Scherpen later made two good saves from Dominik Szoboszlai to prevent a wider deficit. Bradley Barcola, Liverpool’s latest £100 million signing, came on just after the hour for his Premier League debut. Liverpool moved to fifth in the table and remained unbeaten under Iraola after opening draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.