Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich Town was settled in a blistering opening nine minutes at Portman Road, where Alexander Isak’s ruthless quickfire brace gave new Reds manager Andoni Iraola his first victory at the third attempt.
With 30,019 supporters packed into Portman Road, Liverpool made the ideal start. Isak opened the scoring in the 6th minute before striking again three minutes later, converting the visitors’ early authority into a two-goal cushion that Ipswich could not overturn.
The hosts did not simply fold after the early setback. Ipswich registered 14 shots and forced five efforts on target, while also winning four corners, but Liverpool held firm when it mattered. The away side had slightly more of the ball, finishing with 54.9% possession, and produced seven shots on target from 10 attempts.
Liverpool’s control was tested in a goalless second half, particularly as Ipswich sought a route back into the fixture, but the visitors’ defensive resolve preserved both the clean sheet and the points. Alexis Mac Allister was booked in the 10th minute, while Jérémy Jacquet and Milos Kerkez went into the book after the interval as Liverpool managed the contest through its more combative phases.
For Iraola, the result provides an important early lift after waiting two fixtures for his first Liverpool win. For Ipswich, there was encouragement in their second-half pressure, but the damage had been done by Isak’s decisive finishing before the match had properly settled.
Ipswich return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on September 12, while Liverpool host Fulham on the same day.
Goals
- Liverpool: Alexander Isak 6′
- Liverpool: Alexander Isak 9′
