Liverpool 2-0 ahead as Alexander Isak scores twice against Ipswich Town

Liverpool built a two-goal lead against Ipswich Town in the third week of the Premier League, with Alexander Isak finding the net twice before half-time.

Isak opened the scoring after Cody Gakpo delivered a simple ball into his path inside the penalty area. The Liverpool forward kept his composure and finished low into the right side of the goal.

He then added a second with another assured effort. Isak collected a pass inside the box before sending a well-placed shot along the ground into the centre of the net.

Liverpool controlled much of the opening period and held 59% possession, compared with 41% for Ipswich Town. Their passing was particularly composed in midfield as they looked to create a third goal before the interval.

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Kjell Peersman was called upon several times to keep the score within reach. He made a strong save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai, whose effort from the edge of the area was heading towards the left corner.

Peersman also dealt comfortably with a header from Alexis Mac Allister following a Liverpool corner. Mac Allister later tried his luck again from outside the area after receiving an accurate pass, but his shot went narrowly over the crossbar.

Liverpool continued to threaten from wide areas. Milos Kerkez sent a dangerous delivery into the penalty area, although an alert Ipswich Town defender intervened to clear the danger. Szoboszlai also attempted to find a team-mate with a cross from near the touchline, but the ball was not controlled and the home defence was able to remove the threat.

Cody Gakpo was caught offside during one Liverpool attack, while another promising move ended when his attempted pass through to Florian Wirtz inside the box was cut out by an Ipswich Town defender.

Ipswich did have opportunities of their own. Julio Enciso received a pass and struck a low effort towards goal, but it lacked sufficient power to trouble Alisson. Enciso tried again later, sending another ground-level shot at the Liverpool goal without generating enough force to cause the goalkeeper serious concern.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku produced Ipswich’s clearest chance of the half after receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area. The opportunity put him in a good position, but his shot flew well wide of the left post.

Liam Delap also came close for Ipswich Town when he met an accurate cross inside the penalty area. His header, however, went just over the crossbar.

Liverpool’s discipline was tested during a lively first half. Milos Kerkez, Jeremy Jacquet and Alexis Mac Allister were all shown yellow cards, while Julio Enciso was booked for Ipswich Town.

The referee added two minutes at the end of the opening period. Liverpool went into the break two goals ahead, and the second half began with the visitors continuing to search for further chances.