Alexander Isak scored two early goals to lead Liverpool to their first Premier League victory of the season, a 2-0 win over newly promoted Ipswich Town on Friday. The brace, scored in the first nine minutes of the match, provided new manager Andoni Iraola with his first league win since succeeding Arne Slot.
Isak's performance marked a significant turnaround after a difficult debut season. The Swedish striker arrived at Liverpool last summer for a reported £125 million, a fee that was then a British transfer record. However, his first season was hampered by conditioning issues, injuries, and a perceived lack of form, leading to criticism and questions about his impact. He scored only four goals in 22 appearances across all competitions in his inaugural year, with three of those coming in 14 Premier League games.
This season, Isak has already matched his league goal tally from the previous year. His goals against Ipswich showcased his ability to run behind defenders and press with pace, characteristics that made him a sought-after player at his former club, Newcastle United. His new manager, Iraola, will be encouraged by this display, suggesting that the club has unlocked the player's full potential.
The win was further bolstered by the early presence of Bradley Barcola, who made his debut after a £123 million transfer from Paris St-Germain. Though only on the pitch for 26 minutes, Barcola showed flashes of his potential. However, it was Isak's decisive performance that ultimately overshadowed the night.
Cody Gakpo also played a crucial role, with his performance ensuring Liverpool secured the victory. His contributions were particularly noteworthy given that a potential move to another club had collapsed, allowing him to remain with Liverpool.
Ipswich Town, while showing fight, have now conceded five goals in two matches against top-tier opponents, having lost to Manchester United the previous week. Their current form suggests they may struggle against higher-calibre attacking sides in the league.