Palacios makes first Premier League start, but Mac Allister celebrates for Liverpool

Exequiel Palacios received his first Premier League start on Friday, but the Argentine midfielder’s milestone came in a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at Portman Road.

Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil selected Palacios from the opening whistle after using him as a second-half substitute in the previous 5-2 loss to Manchester United. Palacios lined up in midfield alongside Sasa Lukic and completed the match, making 25 successful passes from 31 attempts, winning one duel and recovering three balls.

Liverpool quickly put the home side under pressure. Alexander Isak scored twice within the first nine minutes, converting assists from Cody Gakpo on both occasions. Ipswich tried to respond, while Palacios worked to provide balance in midfield as Liverpool controlled much of the match.

Alexis Mac Allister also played for Liverpool, which entered the game seeking its first win after opening the campaign with two draws. The meeting between the two Argentina midfielders ended with Mac Allister’s side celebrating.

For Palacios, who joined Ipswich from Bayer Leverkusen and won the 2022 World Cup, the start represented an important step in his adjustment to English football. Ipswich again failed to collect points against one of England’s major clubs, while Liverpool earned its first three points and kept its goal unbeaten.