Liverpool finally have their first Premier League victory of the season under Andoni Iraola, and they have Alexander Isak to thank after the Swedish striker produced a devastating early double in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

After being held to 2-2 draws by Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in their opening two Matchweeks, Liverpool needed a response, and they delivered one in emphatic fashion. Isak’s brace arrived inside the opening nine minutes, giving the Reds the perfect start and putting them in control of a match they would ultimately manage with impressive maturity.

Cody Gakpo played a decisive role in the victory, providing the assists for both goals, while new signing Bradley Barcola was handed his Premier League debut after coming off the bench in the second half.

Liverpool’s victory moves them up to fifth place with five points, while Ipswich remain 13th with three points heading into the remainder of the weekend’s fixtures.

Isak’s Brace Gives Liverpool Dream Start

Liverpool had failed to take the lead in either of their opening two Premier League matches, but that frustration disappeared almost immediately at Portman Road.

Just six minutes into Friday night’s contest, Gakpo produced a superb through ball to release Isak, who made no mistake with the opportunity. Kjell Scherpen got a hand to the Swedish forward’s powerful effort but could not prevent it from finding the back of the net.

The goal immediately changed the complexion of the contest, but Liverpool were not finished.

Three minutes later, Isak doubled the advantage with a composed finish that highlighted the confidence flowing through Iraola’s attack. Gakpo was again the architect, this time producing a clever pass with the outside of his right foot to send Isak towards goal.

With Scherpen rushing from his line and Jacob Greaves attempting to recover, Isak calmly guided a left-footed effort beyond both players and into the net.

Isak’s brace gave Liverpool a 2-0 advantage before the clock had even reached the tenth minute, putting the visitors firmly in control.

The Swedish striker almost completed a first-half hat-trick when he converted Florian Wirtz’s delivery, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Gakpo Turns Provider at Portman Road

While Isak understandably took the headlines, Gakpo was equally important to Liverpool’s attacking performance.

The Netherlands international supplied both assists, repeatedly finding pockets of space and demonstrating the creativity that allowed Isak to exploit Ipswich’s defensive line.

Gakpo’s contribution was particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding his future before the transfer window closed. Despite reported interest from Manchester City, he remained at Anfield and produced an important performance when Iraola’s side needed it most.

Liverpool could have extended their lead before the interval, with Scherpen keeping Ipswich in the contest by producing several saves from Dominik Szoboszlai’s long-range efforts.

Ipswich Struggle to Find a Way Back

Ipswich were in danger of being overwhelmed during the opening exchanges, but the hosts gradually settled after Liverpool’s explosive start.

Emersonn and Leif Davis both had opportunities to give Ipswich some hope, although neither could capitalise. Liverpool’s defence remained composed, restricting the home side from creating sustained pressure.

After the interval, Ipswich produced a little more attacking threat. Julio Enciso tested Alisson with a curling effort, providing one of the hosts’ clearest moments of the evening.

Liverpool, however, remained the more dangerous side. Alexis Mac Allister should have made it 3-0 early in the second half when he headed directly at Scherpen.

The visitors also had a penalty appeal rejected after Szoboszlai went down inside the Ipswich area. VAR determined that the Liverpool midfielder had been offside before Leif Davis made contact, meaning the potential penalty was correctly ruled out.

Barcola Debut Adds More Excitement

One of the most anticipated moments of the second half came when Bradley Barcola made his Liverpool debut.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward entered the match in the 64th minute, replacing Victor Munoz as Iraola gave his new attacking option his first taste of Premier League football.

Although Barcola did not find the net, his introduction added another dimension to Liverpool’s attack and provided supporters with an early glimpse of what he could bring to the side.

With Liverpool already two goals ahead, Iraola did not need to take unnecessary risks. Instead, his team managed the closing stages professionally, controlling possession and preventing Ipswich from building the kind of pressure that could have made the final minutes uncomfortable.

Liverpool Finally Find Their First Win Under Iraola

The victory represents an important step forward for Iraola, who had watched his Liverpool side surrender leads and settle for draws in their first two league matches.

This time, there was no late drama. Liverpool attacked with intensity from the opening whistle, established a two-goal cushion quickly and then showed enough discipline to protect it. Isak’s brace ultimately proved decisive, while Gakpo’s two assists underlined the quality available in Liverpool’s forward line.

For Ipswich, the defeat will be disappointing, particularly after surviving the opening onslaught and improving as the game progressed. Their inability to seriously test Alisson, however, meant Liverpool were rarely in danger of losing control.

The result lifts Liverpool to fifth on five points, while Ipswich sit 13th on three points.

For Iraola, the significance goes beyond the three points. Liverpool have finally converted their promising attacking play into a Premier League victory, and with Barcola’s debut for Liverpool now complete, the Reds have another exciting attacking option to integrate as the season develops.