Isak's early brace hands Iraola first Liverpool win at Ipswich

Isak double lights up Portman Road

Alexander Isak announced himself as Liverpool's spearhead with a devastating early brace, handing Andoni Iraola his first Premier League win as the Reds dispatched promoted Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road.

The Sweden international needed just nine minutes to equal his entire Premier League tally from last season. Both goals came from the creative genius of Cody Gakpo, who was outstanding on the left.

Quickfire start seals the points

Liverpool were ahead in the sixth minute. Gakpo picked up the ball 40 yards out and threaded a superb pass between the Ipswich centre-backs. Isak took one touch and fired a powerful shot that Kjell Scherpen could only help into the net.

Three minutes later it was 2-0. Another defence-splitting ball from Gakpo, this time with the outside of his right foot from deep, found Isak in stride. The striker outfoxed Greaves and the advancing Scherpen before sliding home with his left foot.

We needed this win. It was also nice to get a clean sheet and control the match.— Andoni Iraola

Ipswich created a few openings, with Leif Davis heading over from a good position, but Liverpool were largely comfortable. Dominik Szoboszlai tested Scherpen twice from distance, while new signing Bradley Barcola made his debut from the bench in the 64th minute.

The result lifts Liverpool to fifth with five points from three games. Iraola will be relieved after draws in his first two matches. Isak, signed for a club-record fee, finally looks ready to deliver the goals expected of him.