Alexander Isak finally began to justify his £125 million ($169 million) price tag, scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Ipswich on Friday to give new manager Andoni Iraola his first win.
The Swedish striker’s early double settled a game Liverpool controlled from the outset and extended Iraola’s unbeaten start in charge after two entertaining 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
For Isak, the performance offered an encouraging response to the pressure surrounding his record transfer from Newcastle. After a difficult first season at Anfield disrupted by fitness problems, the forward is beginning to rediscover the form that made him one of the most highly rated strikers in the Premier League.
Isak now has three goals in three games this season, although Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen will feel he should have done better with both goals.
Liverpool opened the scoring when Cody Gakpo found Isak on the edge of the area. The striker’s powerful effort was parried by Scherpen but still found its way into the net.
Isak doubled the advantage moments later, racing onto another Gakpo pass before calmly finishing at the near post as Scherpen was caught out of position.
The Swede almost completed a hat-trick at the ground where he scored three times for Newcastle two seasons ago, but his effort from Florian Wirtz’s cross was ruled out for offside.
Scherpen later made two good saves to deny Dominik Szoboszlai and keep Ipswich within reach before the break.
Liverpool’s latest £100 million signing, Bradley Barcola, made his Premier League debut shortly after the hour mark, replacing Isak as Liverpool focused on protecting their advantage.
The Reds were less threatening after Isak’s departure but remained defensively disciplined, allowing Iraola to claim his first clean sheet since taking charge.
The result lifts Liverpool to fifth in the Premier League table and gives Iraola a much-needed first victory as he attempts to revive a team that finished fifth last season after a disappointing campaign.
Liverpool have invested heavily in attack, with Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike arriving in major deals. The spending failed to produce the desired results last season, ultimately contributing to Arne Slot’s departure just a year after he led the club to the league title.
Isak’s early-season form now provides a positive sign that the expensive forward line can finally deliver.
Cody Gakpo also played a decisive role, supplying assists for both Isak goals after speculation that he could leave Liverpool for Manchester City earlier in the week.
For Ipswich, the defeat was another difficult lesson following their return to the top flight. After beating Sunderland on the opening weekend, the Tractor Boys have now suffered consecutive heavy defeats, including a 5-2 loss to Manchester United.
Liverpool, meanwhile, leave Portman Road with three points, a clean sheet and renewed optimism that both Iraola and Isak can begin to turn the club’s expensive rebuild into results.
