Isak finally arrives as Gakpo proves value to Liverpool

Alexander Isak finally looked like the striker Liverpool paid a British-record £125 million to sign. His two goals in the opening nine minutes against Ipswich Town ended a difficult first season and gave new manager Andoni Iraola his first win since replacing Arne Slot.

Liverpool won 2-0 on a comfortable Friday evening in Suffolk, although Ipswich’s status as a newly promoted side offered important context. They had conceded five goals against Manchester United the previous week and struggled to contain Liverpool’s attacking quality.

Isak’s display stood out even after Bradley Barcola made his Liverpool debut following his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. The Sweden striker had looked short of confidence and fitness in his first campaign, after arriving out of condition while securing his transfer from Newcastle United and later suffering injuries. In 22 appearances totaling 1,033 minutes, he scored four goals. In the Premier League, he scored three in 703 minutes.

He has already matched last season’s league total this campaign, but his performance against Ipswich offered more than goals. Liverpool used him as Newcastle had, sending him behind defenders and asking him to press with pace. Cody Gakpo complemented him with a creative masterclass and helped make the contest effectively over within nine minutes.

Gakpo might have been preparing for Manchester City’s match against Coventry City had his transfer to City not collapsed. Liverpool’s failure to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton or Ismaïla Sarr from Crystal Palace helped keep him at Anfield, where his contribution proved decisive.