Isak’s early double gives Liverpool victory at Ipswich

Alexander Isak scored twice in the opening nine minutes to give Liverpool a 2-0 Premier League win at promoted Ipswich Town and hand new manager Andoni Iraola his first victory.

Cody Gakpo created both goals as Liverpool started sharply and controlled the match after taking an early lead. Gakpo collected the ball 40 yards from goal before finding Isak, whose shot beat Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen at his near post inside six minutes.

Three minutes later, Gakpo again supplied Isak. The striker twisted and turned before sliding the ball past Scherpen, who had come off his line and was left exposed. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised the team’s direct start and Gakpo’s contribution. “It was a good performance,” he told Sky Sports. “We were more direct in the beginning, which is what we wanted. Two great balls from Cody, who was outstanding. A good win and on to the next.”

“

It was a good performance. We were more direct in the beginning, which is what we wanted. Two great balls from Cody, who was outstanding. A good win and on to the next.

Liverpool moved to fifth in the table with five points from three matches. Ipswich remained 13th with three points. Liverpool also recorded their first clean sheet after 2-2 draws with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Ipswich created opportunities after the poor opening, but Leif Davis headed over at the back post when he should have hit the target. Dominik Szoboszlai twice tested Scherpen from outside the box. Liverpool introduced new signing Bradley Barcola, reported at £107 million, after 64 minutes, but neither side found another goal. Liverpool managed only one shot on target in a subdued second half.

“

I said before the transfer window closed that he is important for us and will be this season. He showed it today again.