Liverpool earn first win of the season against Ipswich

Alexander Isak answered his critics with two goals in the opening nine minutes, giving Liverpool a 2-0 win at Ipswich and Andoni Iraola his first victory as manager.

The Swedish striker, once the Premier League’s most expensive signing after moving from Newcastle to Anfield, had not yet produced performances matching his price tag. Against Ipswich, he quickly changed the mood. Cody Gakpo set up the first goal after Liverpool won the ball and launched a rapid transition, with Isak firing a low angled shot that goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen could not stop.

Two minutes later, Gakpo again broke through the Ipswich defence. Isak spotted Scherpen off his line and shot into the open goal. Liverpool had effectively settled the match before the home side could find its footing.

The visitors had gone six Premier League matches without a win, including four games from last season and Iraola’s first two matches, against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. The victory also ended Ipswich’s 20-match unbeaten run at Portman Road.

Dominik Szoboszlai came close to adding a third, while Leif Davis headed narrowly wide for Ipswich. Bradley Barcola made his Liverpool debut after the hour mark, replacing Víctor Muñoz, but had little influence as Liverpool protected its lead and Ipswich faded. Liverpool now turn to a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.