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.