Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool: Isak double gives Iraola first Premier League win

Alexander Isak struck twice inside the opening nine minutes as Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road, delivering Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League victory as head coach and ending the Reds’ run of comeback draws.

Liverpool had needed late responses to take points from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in their opening two league matches, but there was no repeat in Suffolk. Iraola’s side imposed themselves immediately and Isak punished Ipswich before the contest had properly settled.

The breakthrough arrived after six minutes. Cody Gakpo released Isak into space and the Sweden striker drove a powerful effort through goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, whose attempt to keep the shot out was not enough.

Three minutes later, Liverpool doubled their advantage. Ipswich were caught out again as Isak found space behind the defence on the left and calmly slid a low finish beyond Scherpen to make it 2-0.

It was a ruthless opening from Liverpool and another reminder of Isak’s ability to decide matches quickly. He had already scored against Nottingham Forest a week earlier and his double at Portman Road took his Premier League tally for the season to three.

A first-half hat-trick almost followed. Florian Wirtz delivered an excellent cross in the 33rd minute and Isak converted, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Ipswich nevertheless grew into the match once the initial damage had been done. Leif Davis headed wide after meeting a cross from the right, while the home crowd felt Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet was fortunate to remain on the pitch early in the second half. Already booked, Jacquet challenged Emersonn from behind in the 53rd minute, but referee Darren England did not award a foul.

Liverpool responded by managing the contest rather than chasing a third goal. Ronald Araujo, making his first start for the club, helped Iraola’s side maintain greater defensive control than in their opening two league matches.

There was also a first appearance for Bradley Barcola following his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, with the winger introduced from the bench in the 66th minute.

Liverpool thought they had another opportunity to extend their lead when a penalty was initially awarded following a challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai. VAR intervention ultimately overturned the decision because Szoboszlai had been offside earlier in the move.

The absence of a third goal mattered little. Liverpool protected their advantage professionally and recorded their first clean sheet under Iraola, a notable development after conceding twice in each of their opening league games.

After two draws built on recovery, this was a different kind of performance: Liverpool struck first, controlled the lead and left Portman Road with their first league victory of the new era.