Alexander Isak’s early double gives Liverpool victory at Ipswich

Alexander Isak scored twice in the opening nine minutes as Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 in the Premier League at Portman Road on Friday.

The Sweden international made an immediate impact, taking his goals tally to three for the new season with two finishes in quick succession. His decisive start helped Liverpool secure a victory after recent difficulties in making a strong opening to matches.

Isak’s display represented another encouraging step following a challenging first campaign at Liverpool. His progress last season was disrupted by a lengthy injury and poor timing, but the 26-year-old believes those difficulties are now behind him.

Liverpool had spoken before the match about the need to begin with greater intensity, having struggled to do so in recent games. Isak said the team’s response at Portman Road was exactly what they had wanted.

“We were waiting for the first win. We talked about starting the game good, which we haven’t done recently, so it was perfect for us to get two good quick goals,” he said.

The forward was also pleased with Liverpool’s attacking approach after they continued to create opportunities during the match. Although the visitors scored twice, Isak felt their performance in the final third could have produced an even bigger margin.

“With a normal pre-season, I think we are starting to get to the way we want to play,” he said. “To be offensive and attack the defence. I think we did that today. We scored two, and we could have scored more.”

Isak’s brace means he has already equalled his Premier League goals total from last season. His previous campaign at Anfield was heavily affected by injury, limiting his opportunity to build momentum during his first year at the club.

Reflecting on that period, Isak acknowledged that the experience had been difficult.

“It was not easy,” Isak said when reflecting on his first year at Anfield. “It was obviously a long injury and a difficult season in general.”

The Sweden international had hoped to enjoy a strong World Cup and then make a positive start to the following season. He believes he is now beginning to fulfil those ambitions after putting his injury problems behind him.

“It’s kind of behind me, but it wasn’t easy,” he added.

Liverpool’s focus now switches to the Champions League. Atletico Madrid are due to visit Anfield on Wednesday, with Isak’s two-goal performance against Ipswich providing a timely boost as the club prepares for its next competition.