Liverpool celebrate their 2–0 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road after Alexander Isak scored twice in the opening nine minutes, with Cody Gakpo providing both assists.
Liverpool celebrate their 2–0 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road after Alexander Isak scored twice in the opening nine minutes, with Cody Gakpo providing both assists.
Liverpool produced a fast and decisive performance at Portman Road on Friday night, defeating Ipswich Town 2–0 in the Premier League. Alexander Isak was the star of the evening, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes, while Cody Gakpo provided the assists for both goals.
The victory gave Liverpool their first Premier League win of the 2026/27 campaign under new manager Andoni Iraola. After beginning the season with two consecutive 2–2 draws, the Reds finally secured all three points with an impressive start that put Ipswich under immediate pressure.
Isak Makes Immediate Impact
Liverpool needed only six minutes to take control of the match.
Cody Gakpo created the opening goal with excellent work in the attacking area before finding Isak, who finished confidently to put the visitors 1–0 ahead. The early goal immediately changed the atmosphere inside Portman Road and forced Ipswich to chase the game.
Just three minutes later, Liverpool struck again.
Gakpo once again found Isak, who showed composure and quality inside the penalty area before finishing to make it 2–0. The second goal arrived in the ninth minute, meaning Liverpool had established a two-goal advantage before the game had even reached the 10-minute mark.
The quickfire double was particularly important for Isak, who showed his finishing ability and growing confidence in front of goal. His movement and sharpness caused problems for the Ipswich defence throughout the opening stages.
Gakpo Plays a Key Role
While Isak deserved the headlines for his two goals, Gakpo was equally important to Liverpool's attacking success.
The Dutch forward supplied both assists, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities as well as contribute directly to Liverpool's attacking play. The combination between Gakpo and Isak proved extremely effective, with both players finding space and exploiting Ipswich's defensive weaknesses early in the match.
Gakpo's contribution was another positive sign for Liverpool after uncertainty surrounding his future during the recent transfer window. His decision to remain with the club was followed by a performance that underlined his importance to the team's attack. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also praised Gakpo's contribution after the match.
Ipswich Try to Respond
Despite falling two goals behind so early, Ipswich did not completely collapse.
The home side gradually settled into the game and looked for opportunities to reduce the deficit. Liverpool, however, were able to manage the situation and protect their advantage.
Ipswich had moments when they threatened Liverpool's defence, particularly as the match progressed, but they were unable to find the finishing touch required to get back into the contest.
Liverpool also created opportunities to extend their lead. Dominik Szoboszlai tested the Ipswich goalkeeper on more than one occasion, while Isak appeared to have completed a hat-trick before his effort was ruled out for offside.
At half-time, Liverpool remained firmly in control with a 2–0 advantage.
Liverpool Manage the Second Half
The second half was less open than the first.
With Liverpool already holding a comfortable two-goal lead, Iraola's team focused more on controlling the match rather than taking unnecessary risks. Ipswich pushed forward in search of a goal, but Liverpool's defensive organisation helped prevent the home side from making their pressure count.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and the defenders behind him maintained the clean sheet as Ipswich attempted to create openings.
The Reds also introduced Bradley Barcola during the second half, giving the new signing his Liverpool debut. His arrival added another attacking option as Liverpool looked to maintain their control of the match.
Although Ipswich enjoyed some promising periods after the break, Liverpool's early advantage proved too difficult to overcome.
First Victory for Iraola
The result was especially significant for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard had started his Liverpool career with two consecutive 2–2 Premier League draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. While those performances showed attacking promise, the team had been unable to turn their chances into victories.
The win at Portman Road changed that.
Liverpool were clinical when their opportunities arrived, and their ability to score twice so early allowed them to manage the rest of the match from a position of strength.
It was also Liverpool's first clean sheet of the season and their first league victory under Iraola.
Isak Emerges as the Match Winner
Alexander Isak's performance was undoubtedly the main talking point.
The Swedish striker scored twice in the opening nine minutes and gave Liverpool exactly what they needed: an early attacking threat and clinical finishing.
His two goals also showed the value of having a striker capable of converting chances quickly. Instead of allowing Ipswich to grow into the game, Isak's finishing put Liverpool in command almost immediately.
The forward was later replaced during the second half, with Liverpool choosing to manage his workload while protecting their advantage.
What the Result Means
Liverpool's 2–0 victory moved them to five points after three league matches, while Ipswich remained on three points. The result also provided Liverpool with valuable confidence as they prepare for the next stage of their campaign.
For Ipswich, the defeat will be disappointing, particularly because the team conceded twice so early. However, their response after the opening 10 minutes showed that they were capable of competing against Liverpool for long periods.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will take plenty of positives from the performance. The attacking partnership between Isak and Gakpo was particularly encouraging, while the clean sheet gave the team a stronger defensive foundation.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool's victory at Portman Road was built on an explosive opening nine minutes. Alexander Isak scored twice, and Cody Gakpo supplied the assists for both goals as the visitors established a 2–0 lead almost immediately.
Ipswich worked hard to respond and created periods of pressure, but Liverpool remained disciplined enough to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
For Iraola, it was an important first Premier League victory as Liverpool manager. For Isak, it was a statement performance, while Gakpo's two assists highlighted his importance to Liverpool's attacking plans.
The Reds will now look to build on this result as the season continues, with their confidence boosted by a first league win, a clean sheet and an impressive attacking display at Portman Road.