Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening 10 minutes as Liverpool secured Andoni Iraola’s first victory as manager with a 2-0 win at Ipswich.
Liverpool had taken only two points from Iraola’s first two league games, but Isak’s early double settled this one before the hosts had time to recover. Both goals were created by Cody Gakpo, whose direct running repeatedly exposed gaps in the Ipswich defence.
Isak opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing after Gakpo drove forward and supplied the final pass. Three minutes later, the Sweden international struck again, again benefiting from Gakpo’s work on the left.
Ipswich had been overwhelmed by Liverpool’s pace during the opening spell but gradually recovered. Gary O’Neil’s side became more competitive as the game progressed, although Liverpool remained the more dangerous side and Isak had a third goal ruled out for offside before half-time.
Florian Wirtz provided further evidence of the attacking quality available to Iraola, while Victor Muñoz also impressed with his willingness to run at the Ipswich defence. Liverpool’s speed in transition was a constant problem for the home side.
Iraola introduced Bradley Barcola after the interval for his Liverpool debut following his £123m move. The France forward immediately added another dimension, using his acceleration from the left to create an opportunity for Gakpo and repeatedly forcing Ipswich backwards.
Liverpool also had moments of vulnerability. Julio Enciso found space between the visitors’ midfield and defence, while Leif Davis headed over from Abdul Fatawu’s cross as Ipswich looked for a way back into the game.
The hosts became increasingly physical in the second half as they tried to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm. Davis appeared to concede a penalty after bringing down Dominik Szoboszlai, but an offside in the build-up spared Ipswich further punishment.
Liverpool controlled the closing stages to complete a first league victory under Iraola. The result lifts them to five points from three matches, with Atletico Madrid due at Anfield in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Ipswich, meanwhile, have lost their opening two matches and will look to respond when they visit Crystal Palace next week.
