Isak’s Brace Secures Liverpool’s First Win of the Season

Alexander Isak needed less than nine minutes to put Liverpool in control at Portman Road, scoring twice as the club secured its first Premier League win of the season against newly promoted Ipswich Town.

The Sweden striker opened the scoring after six minutes, driving Cody Gakpo’s incisive pass past goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen at his near post. Three minutes later, Gakpo and Isak combined again to double Liverpool’s advantage. It was the third time this season that Gakpo had assisted Isak in the league.

The performance represented Isak’s strongest showing since joining Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British-record £125 million transfer fee 12 months ago. He later appeared to complete a hat-trick from Florian Wirtz’s low cross, but the assistant referee ruled the goal offside.

Ipswich had a chance to reduce the deficit before halftime, but Ronald Araujo made a last-ditch intervention on his full debut to deny Daizen Maeda at the back post. The home side continued to probe after the break, but could not find a cutting edge despite ending the transfer window with one of the Premier League’s highest net spends and several new additions.

The victory was also the first of Andoni Iraola’s tenure. It spared him from becoming Liverpool’s first manager since Brendan Rodgers to go without a win in his opening three Premier League matches. Ipswich fell to 13th, while Liverpool climbed to fifth before the remaining weekend fixtures. Liverpool supporters also saw new signing Bradley Barcola for the first time, following his £123 million move from Paris St-Germain on Monday.