Alexander Isak's early double gives Liverpool first win, Iraola's maiden victory at Ipswich

Alexander Isak struck twice inside the opening nine minutes to secure Liverpool's first Premier League win of the season, a 2-0 triumph at Ipswich Town that also delivered new manager Andoni Iraola his maiden victory in charge.

The striker capitalised on goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen's poor positioning on both occasions, first receiving a quality pass from Cody Gakpo in the sixth minute and powering a strike past the weak wrists of the Ipswich keeper, then sliding a neat finish beyond Scherpen just three minutes later after finding space down the left.

Goalkeeper Woes Continue to Haunt Ipswich

Scherpen's nightmare debut raised uncomfortable questions about whether Ipswich's goalkeeper position has become cursed. The Dutch shot-stopper, brought in from Belgian Pro League side Union Saint-Gilloise to provide stability, was at fault for both Liverpool goals, a familiar story for Ipswich supporters who endured a season of costly mistakes from previous keeper Arijanet Muric.

A team can spend 45 minutes executing its game plan and frustrating a superior opponent, only for one moment of indecision to undo all that work. That happened here, with Scherpen judged "desperately poor" for Isak's opener, weak positioning meaning Ipswich got off to the worst possible start.

Gakpo Masterclass Orchestrates Victory

Cody Gakpo delivered an outstanding performance, creating both goals with superb passes and drawing praise from across the board. "Could have been playing for Manchester City. How glad Liverpool are he wasn't," read one assessment of his display. Captain Virgil van Dijk described him as "outstanding" and "massive," adding that Gakpo would be important for the season ahead.

The forward himself credited the attacking partnership's training-ground chemistry: "As attackers we always train together and try to get to know each other even better every time again".

Isak Finds Form After Injury-Hit Season

For Isak, the brace represented a significant personal milestone after a difficult previous campaign marred by injury. "It was not easy. It was a long injury, a difficult season in general," the striker told Sky Sports, adding that he had been thinking about having a good World Cup and starting the season well.

Iraola praised his striker but made clear his demands extended beyond goals: "My fights with him are more about other stuff, how to help the team in other situations". The manager highlighted how Liverpool's improved press allowed them to recover the ball high up the pitch, creating better situations for Isak.

Rare Clean Sheet Provides Relief

The victory also brought Liverpool a rare clean sheet, just their second in the last 14 games. Van Dijk acknowledged the milestone: "It felt like forever. Very pleased for that".

Ipswich actually narrowly won the expected goals battle and created chances, with Leif Davis heading wide and Julio Enciso rated as their main threat despite limited final product. The hosts appealed for a second yellow card against Jeremy Jacquet and thought they had earned a penalty when Davis fouled Dominik Szoboszlai, but VAR ruled Szoboszlai offside in the build-up.

Isak believed he had completed a first-half hat-trick after a fine cross from Florian Wirtz, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Liverpool's £123m signing Bradley Barcola made his Premier League debut in the 66th minute, offering flashes of his pace.