Isak Double Gives Iraola First Liverpool Win at Ipswich

Liverpool earned their first victory under Andoni Iraola as Alexander Isak struck twice in a 2-0 Premier League win away to Ipswich Town on Friday. The Sweden forward’s rapid double settled the contest at Portman Road and gave Liverpool a successful night after a difficult start to the season. The visitors attacked with the speed and invention that Iraola’s appointment was intended to encourage.

Watch the highlights:

The Guardian reported that Isak had scored both goals by the 10th minute, with Cody Gakpo creating each opening through forceful runs at the Ipswich defence. Isak also put the ball in the net for a third time before half-time, but that effort was ruled out for offside.

Ipswich struggled to contain Liverpool’s movement during the opening spell, although the hosts did produce moments of threat before the interval. Leif Davis headed over from an Abdul Fatawu cross, while Julio Enciso continued to look for space and ways to move his team forward after the early setbacks.

Liverpool began the second half on the front foot, with Gakpo driving forward again before Alexis Mac Allister directed a free header off target. Ipswich became more confrontational after the break and attempted to disrupt the visitors, but Liverpool’s central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jérémy Jacquet largely kept control.

Bradley Barcola made his Liverpool debut from the bench during the second half, replacing Victor Muñoz as part of a double substitution. Operating from the left, Barcola showed his acceleration and created an opportunity for Gakpo. Isak was also withdrawn, with Ryan Gravenberch introduced as Liverpool sought greater midfield security.

Liverpool appeared to have another major opening when Davis brought down Dominik Szoboszlai, but an offside identified by the video assistant prevented a penalty from being awarded. Ipswich mounted a late push without finding a goal, leaving Isak’s early finishes decisive. The result also continued the striker’s recent improvement after he scored against Nottingham Forest, while Iraola collected his first win since taking charge.