Liverpool punctured Ipswich Town’s hopes of major Premier League upset as Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both scored at Portman Road to win 2-0. The evening had begun with a raucous atmosphere but the home crowd was silenced in the first ten minutes as Liverpool flew out of the traps.
A brace for Isak — with both goals set-up by an inspired Gakpo — ensured that memories of Liverpool’s slack starts in their opening two matches were put to one side. Isak has struggled since his move to Anfield in September 2025, but he suddenly looks a player reborn under new boss Andoni Iraola.
The hosts did well not to fold after Liverpool’s lightning opening, but despite spending nearly £200m in the transfer window ahead of this season, it still looks like it’ll a tough campaign for Gary O’Neil’s side.
The second half was devoid of the excitement of the first, but Liverpool saw out the game with ease, moving up to fifth on the Premier League table ahead of this weekend’s slate of matches.
The combination of Isak and Gakpo looks ready to flourish after a difficult 12 months for both players. The latter looked set to move during the transfer window, but there was ample evidence to suggest that Liverpool’s shrewdest piece of business in the summer was keeping hold of him.
Positives
Liverpool’s six shots on target were their most in the Premier League since April 2025, giving Reds’ fans hope that Iraola might bring more than a dash of excitement to Anfield after a moribund 2025-26 season. This win should provide some momentum after a slow start to the season.
Negatives
After going two up inside 10 minutes, many Liverpool fans would have hoped to have witnessed a demolition job of the Premier League new boys. That didn’t materialise. There are bigger tests ahead.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Andoni Iraola, 8—Liverpool had only conceded two goals in their opening three Premier League fixtures once before (back in 2012/13) but having drawn their opening two matches 2-2, a clean sheet will have been very welcome. The combination of Isak and Gakpo suddenly looks a game-changer for the club’s new Spanish boss.
Player ratings
GK Alisson Becker, 7 —A regulation night for the Brazilian who was tested at times but rose to every challenge that the Tractor Boys threw at him. He will have enjoyed a clean sheet after conceding four in his opening two matches.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Reliable as ever. He has been a consistent presence for the Reds since arriving at the club in January 2018 and remains one of the Premier League’s outstanding centre-backs.
DF Jérémy Jacquet, 6 — Lucky to avoid a sending-off early in the second half after picking up a yellow in the first. Looked nervous at times as Ipswich attempted to get back into the game.
DF Ronald Araújo, 7 — Solid. Liverpool have had their issues at the back so far this season – conceding four in their opening two matches – but the Uruguayan was a consistently impressive presence at right back.
DF Milos Kerkez, 7 —Looked far more like the player who used to rampage forward for Bournemouth. Absolutely superb for the Reds in a dominant display at a ground that is far from the easiest to visit in the Premier League.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 —He has created more chances from set-plays than any other Premier League player over the past 12 months and again looked a menace at Portman Road. Flexible, reliable and consistent — what’s not to love about the Hungarian star?
MF Víctor Muñoz, 7 — Taken off in the second half but showed plenty of quality while on the pitch at Portman Road. Showed plenty of energy in a superb first half display from the Reds.
FW Florian Wirtz, 7 —Never stopped running and a persistent menace in a fine Liverpool performance. Like Isak, another player who is beginning to justify his transfer fee after a difficult first season at Anfield.
FW Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — Should have done better with a header from a corner early in the second half but generally excellent in a dominant Liverpool midfield. In a much-changed Liverpool side, he offers continuity. Substituted as the clock ticked down.
FW Alexander Isak, 9 — Put Liverpool ahead with a strike that the Ipswich keeper should perhaps have done better with. His second, just two minutes later, was the clinical finish of a striker who suddenly looks entirely at home in the famous red coach. Had a goal ruled out for offside too.
FW Cody Gakpo, 8 — Instrumental in Liverpool’s opener, with a beautifully weighted ball into the feet of Isak. His second assist came just minutes later, a brilliant outside of the boot pass to Isak. A menace all night at Portman. Keeping him at Anfield could prove a shrewd piece of business.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Bradley Barcola (Munoz, 64′), 6 —Liverpool’s record signing looked lively on his debut for the club. One excellent pass to Gakpo showed what he can offer at Liverpool. Not a dramatic opening salvo but showed enough to encourage Liverpool fans.
Ryan Gravenberch (Isak, 64′), 6 — Did what he does best, when coming on for the Swedish striker. Kept Liverpool’s midfield ticking over in a low key second half in Suffolk.
Trey Nyoni (MacAllister, 84′), NR — Looked excellent on the ball. Ipswich will be glad he didn’t come on earlier.
Lewis Koumas (Wirrz, 90), NR— Brings great energy, though his time was limited to nine minutes of injury time.
Source: www.espn.com
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