Liverpool recorded their first Premier League victory of the season with a 2–0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes, giving Andoni Iraola his first victory as Liverpool head coach.
Liverpool took the lead after six minutes when Cody Gakpo threaded a defence-splitting pass into Isak’s path. The Sweden international controlled the ball before firing past Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
Three minutes later, Gakpo created the second goal with another excellent pass, this time using the outside of his boot to find Isak. The striker finished with his left foot to complete a rapid double and give Liverpool a commanding advantage before the match had reached the ten-minute mark.
Isak almost completed a first-half hat-trick when he converted a low cross from Florian Wirtz, but the effort was ruled out for offside. His two goals nevertheless took his league tally to three for the season, already matching his total from the previous campaign.
## Ipswich Respond
Ipswich struggled to recover from the early setback but showed considerable resilience after the opening spell. Gary O’Neil’s side gradually stabilised the game and produced a spirited response against a Liverpool attack featuring Isak, Gakpo, Wirtz and Bradley Barcola.
The hosts created opportunities to reduce the deficit, but Liverpool’s early advantage proved decisive. Ipswich continued to push late in the match, although Jack Clarke’s effort was deflected wide and the home side could not find a breakthrough.
The performance earned praise despite the defeat. Ipswich had conceded twice to an elite attack in the opening minutes, but the team avoided collapsing and competed effectively for the rest of the match. The response was rewarded with a strong reception from the Portman Road crowd at full time.
## Gakpo Drives Attack
Gakpo was central to Liverpool’s victory, providing both assists and continuing his productive partnership with Isak. The Dutch forward has now assisted all three of Isak’s Premier League goals this season, underlining the understanding developing between the pair.
Wirtz offered an additional creative threat between the lines, while Barcola made his Liverpool debut from the substitutes’ bench after completing his high-profile move. The French forward’s introduction gave Iraola another dynamic option in the attacking third.
Liverpool’s forward line is one of the most expensive and talented in the Premier League, with the club investing heavily in Wirtz, Isak and Barcola. Iraola will now be expected to manage that attacking depth across the league and the Champions League.
The victory moves Liverpool to five points from their opening three fixtures and provides a timely confidence boost after two draws to begin Iraola’s tenure. The Reds’ next major test comes against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield.
For Ipswich, the result leaves them with two consecutive defeats, but O’Neil’s team can take encouragement from the way it recovered after the disastrous opening nine minutes. Liverpool, meanwhile, leave Portman Road with three points, a clean sheet and clear evidence of the growing Isak–Gakpo partnership.
