Alexander Isak scored twice for Liverpool in their 2-0 Premier League win at Ipswich Town, handing Reds manager Andoni Iraola his first win since taking over in the summer. Sweden international Isak pounced in the sixth and ninth minutes of Friday’s match at Portman Road to ease Liverpool nerves that a third successive winless match may be in the offing. With his side in cruise control in the second period, Iraola was able to look to the bench to hand a 64th minute debut to Bradley Barcola, who became the club’s record signing with his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Isak’s first came courtesy of a drilled finish from within the area, that even the glove of Kjell Scherpen in the Ipswich goal could not stop. The Reds, who drew their first two games of the season, sliced through the home side’s defence with the precise through ball from Cody Gakpo that set Isak on his way to dribble past Jacob Greaves before slotting home. Iraola replaced Arne Slot, who was sacked after on season in charge as the Reds’ title defence fell apart in the last campaign.
The former Brighton manager saw his side stumble in their opening games at Newcastle United and at home to Nottingham Forest. Ipswich, therefore, represented a serious trip hazard as a promoted side that won their first league game, and took the lead in a bright start to their defeat at Old Trafford last week. It was a dominant display throughout, though, with a deserved clean sheet kept at the other end.
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