Liverpool head coach, Andoni Iraola secured his first victory in charge as Alexander Isak’s early double earned the Reds a 2-0 win over Ipswich at Portman Road on Friday.
Isak struck twice within the opening nine minutes to give Liverpool a commanding start and put Iraola on course for his first Premier League victory since taking over at Anfield.
The Sweden international opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Cody Gakpo played a precise pass into his path.
Isak unleashed a powerful effort that Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen failed to keep out.
Three minutes later, Liverpool doubled their advantage.
Isak raced in behind the Ipswich defence on the left and calmly placed a low finish beyond Scherpen, who was caught out of position.
Both goals were created by Gakpo, who has made an impressive start under Iraola.
Isak came close to completing his hat-trick before half-time when he found the net following a Florian Wirtz cross, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Ipswich had opportunities to get back into the contest, with Leif Davis heading wide from a promising position in the first half.
Liverpool, however, became increasingly disciplined after the interval and limited the hosts’ opportunities as they protected their two-goal advantage.
The visitors also introduced £123m signing Bradley Barcola in the 66th minute, giving the former Paris Saint-Germain forward his Premier League debut.
There was controversy shortly after half-time when Ipswich supporters and players appealed for a second yellow card for Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet following a challenge on Emersonn.
Referee Darren England decided not to award a foul.
Liverpool were later denied a possible penalty after VAR intervened.
England initially reviewed a challenge by Davis on Dominik Szoboszlai inside the area, but the decision was overturned after VAR identified an offside in the build-up.
The result gives Iraola his first victory as Liverpool boss, while the Reds also recorded their first clean sheet of his tenure.
For Ipswich, the defeat leaves them frustrated after conceding twice so early and failing to find a response despite creating openings later in the match.
