Liverpool dashed Ipswich Town‘s chances for a notable upset in the Premier League as Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo found the net at Portman Road, securing a victory with a score of 2-0. The match began with an electric atmosphere, but the home crowd quickly fell silent as Liverpool raced out to an early lead.
Isak’s two goals, both set up by a brilliant Gakpo, helped erase memories of Liverpool’s sluggish starts in their previous matches. After a challenging period since his transfer to Anfield in September 2025, Isak has suddenly rejuvenated his form under the guidance of new manager Andoni Iraola.
While Ipswich showed resilience in the face of Liverpool’s rapid start, their recent £200 million investment in the transfer market suggests a challenging season ahead for Gary O’Neil’s team.
The second half lacked the thrill of the first half, but Liverpool controlled the game comfortably, climbing to fifth in the Premier League ahead of the upcoming match weekend.
The partnership of Isak and Gakpo appears poised for growth following a difficult year for both players. Gakpo was rumored to leave during the transfer window, but retaining him has proven to be one of Liverpool’s best decisions this summer.
Positives
Liverpool’s six shots on target marked their highest tally in the Premier League since April 2025, offering fans hope that Iraola could inject much-needed excitement into Anfield after a lackluster 2025-26 campaign. This win should generate momentum following a sluggish start.
Negatives
After establishing a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes, many Liverpool supporters anticipated a more dominant performance against a newly promoted team. However, that expectation did not materialize, indicating tougher challenges lie ahead.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Andoni Iraola , 8 — Liverpool had previously only allowed two goals in their opening three Premier League matches once in 2012-13. Following two 2-2 draws, a clean sheet will surely be welcomed. The emerging partnership between Isak and Gakpo could become transformative for the club’s new Spanish manager.
Player ratings
GK Alisson Becker, 7 — The Brazilian had a solid night, facing challenges from Ipswich but successfully handling them all. This performance granted him a much-needed clean sheet after allowing four goals in his first two matches.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Reliable as ever, the Dutchman has been a stalwart for Liverpool since his arrival in January 2018 and continues to be one of the league’s finest defenders.
DF Jérémy Jacquet, 6 — He was fortunate not to receive a second yellow early in the second half after having been booked in the first. At times, he appeared a bit shaky as Ipswich pressed for a comeback.
DF Ronald Araújo, 7 — A consistent presence defensively, Araújo provided solidity at right back, helping the team stabilize after a rocky start to the season.
DF Milos Kerkez, 7 — Displayed the form that initially made him a standout at Bournemouth, delivering a dominant performance in a challenging away fixture.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 — As the Premier League player with the most chances created from set pieces in the last year, Szoboszlai was a constant threat at Portman Road. His versatility and dependability make him an asset.
MF Víctor Muñoz, 7 — Although substituted in the second half, Muñoz showcased his quality and energy during an impressive first half from Liverpool.
FW Florian Wirtz, 7 — Wirtz was tireless in his efforts, posing a continual threat throughout the match. Like Isak, he is beginning to live up to expectations after a challenging first season.
FW Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — While he could have capitalized on an early corner with a header, Mac Allister was generally highly effective in Liverpool’s midfield, providing consistency in a reshaped squad.
FW Alexander Isak, 9 — Isak opened the scoring with a shot that the Ipswich keeper should have handled better and followed up just two minutes later with a well-taken goal. He also had another goal disallowed for offside.
FW Cody Gakpo, 8 — Gakpo had a crucial role in Liverpool’s first goal, providing a beautifully weighted pass to Isak, and assisted again shortly after with an exceptional outside-of-the-boot delivery. He proved to be a constant threat throughout the match.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Bradley Barcola (Munoz, 64′), 6 — Liverpool’s record signing made a lively debut, showcasing his abilities, notably with a brilliant pass to Gakpo that hinted at his potential impact at the club.
Ryan Gravenberch (Isak, 64′), 6 — Came on to streamline Liverpool’s midfield and help maintain control during a quieter second half.
Trey Nyoni (MacAllister, 84′), NR — Displayed excellent ball control when he entered the match; Ipswich will be relieved he didn’t come on sooner.
Lewis Koumas (Wirtz, 90), NR — Brought great energy to the pitch, but had limited time to make an impact with only nine minutes of injury time.