Isak fires Liverpool to first win under Iraola at Ipswich

Alexander Isak gave Andoni Iraola his first victory as Liverpool manager by scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes of a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town.

The Swedish striker’s two goals ended Ipswich’s hopes of recovering at Portman Road. Liverpool controlled the match and moved up to fifth in the Premier League, preserving Iraola’s unbeaten start after entertaining 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Isak, whose Premier League record £125 million move from Newcastle was matched this week by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez, is beginning to justify Liverpool’s investment. After a difficult first season at Anfield, marked by fitness problems, he has scored three times in three games this campaign.

Cody Gakpo created both goals. His pass found Isak on the edge of the area for the opener, although Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen should have done better with the powerful shot. Moments later, Isak ran onto another Gakpo pass and finished at the near post while Scherpen was out of position.

Isak nearly completed a hat-trick after meeting Florian Wirtz’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Liverpool’s latest £100 million signing, Bradley Barcola, made his debut as a second-half substitute.