Liverpool earn first Premier League win under Iraola with Isak double

Liverpool began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday night, with Alexander Isak scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes to give Andoni Iraola his first win as manager.

After consecutive draws, Liverpool were determined to claim their first victory of the campaign. They took advantage of an Ipswich side still recovering from a heavy defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford, producing a decisive opening spell that settled the match.

Isak opened the scoring after only six minutes. Coady Gakpo found him on the far right of the penalty area and the striker took the pass in his stride before driving the ball beyond Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.

Liverpool doubled their advantage three minutes later when the same combination produced another goal. Isak made an intelligent run towards the centre of the area, collected Gakpo’s through ball and created enough room to beat the advancing Scherpen.

Isak appeared to have completed a first-half hat-trick when he guided a teasing delivery from Florian Wirtz into the bottom corner. However, the effort was ruled out for offside.

Ipswich struggled to recover after conceding twice so early, but Daizen Maeda helped create one of their better openings towards the end of the first half. His move down the left produced an opportunity, although Alisson Becker clawed the ball away.

Ipswich showed greater attacking intent after the interval and came close to reducing the deficit when Abdul Fatawu cut inside following a forward run. His curling effort went narrowly wide of the top corner.

Liverpool made a double substitution after the midpoint of the second half. Isak, who had been the decisive figure with his two goals, was replaced by Ryan Gravenberch, while Vitor Munoz made way for new signing Bradley Barcola, who came on for his debut.

Iraola’s side continued to look for a third goal and thought they had been awarded a late penalty when Dominik Szoboszlai went down following a challenge by Leif Davis. The Video Assistant Referee intervened, however, and the decision was overturned after Szoboszlai was found to have been offside earlier in the move.

There was little further response from Ipswich during a quiet closing period. Liverpool comfortably protected their two-goal lead to secure their first victory under Iraola, while the hosts suffered successive defeats.

Liverpool’s next three league fixtures are Fulham at home, Bournemouth away and Manchester City at home.

Ipswich Town will travel to face Crystal Palace and Everton before hosting Fulham.